Read the following technical passage:
In industrial fluid distribution networks, a sudden closure of a downstream valve causes a rapid deceleration of the moving liquid column. Because liquid is nearly incompressible, this abrupt momentum stoppage generates a localized high-pressure shock wave upstream of the valve. As this pressure surge travels backward through the piping system, it exerts severe mechanical stress against internal pipe walls and fittings. Consequently, the excessive radial strain leads to joint rupture and catastrophic structural failure of the conduit.
Based on the passage, arrange the events in the exact causal sequence leading to conduit failure, from initial cause to final effect.
- 1A downstream valve is abruptly closed, halting the moving fluid.
- 2A localized high-pressure shock wave is generated upstream of the valve.
- 3Severe mechanical stress and radial strain are exerted against internal pipe walls.
- 4Joint rupture occurs, resulting in structural failure of the conduit.
Answer
The correct causal sequence begins with the sudden closure of a downstream valve, followed by the generation of an upstream high-pressure shock wave, leading to severe mechanical stress on pipe walls, and culminating in joint rupture and conduit failure.
The correct arrangement directly mirrors the chronological and causal progression stated in the passage: downstream valve closure initiates fluid deceleration, the stoppage creates an upstream high-pressure shock wave, the backward-traveling wave exerts mechanical stress on the pipe walls, and the resulting strain causes pipe joints to rupture.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Extracting explicitly stated multi-step cause-and-effect sequences from technical text using transitional markers.