why is a water pipe always round and not triangular or square in shape?

Answer 1

A cylinder will always hold more than a square or triangular prism of the same length and circumference. This is because a circle makes the most efficient use of space of all the shapes, that is to say, it is the maximum size all around. So a round pipe gives you the most space for water to run through it for the amount of material you use to make it.

This is also why most jars and tin cans are round.

Also, square or triangular pipes would have crevices (folds) on the inside where the corners are. Bits of debris and minerals would build up in these crevices over time, slowing down the efficiency of the pipe and probably eventually blocking it.

Answer 2

Pipes are round because circles are the most efficient shape when handling pressure. When water is flowing through the pipe, there is an internal pressure. With a circular shape, the pressure force is evenly distributed around the entire circumference of the pipe. With squares, triangles, or any other shape with sharp corners, the pressure forces concentrate at these locations. Therefore, the edges or corners would have to be reinforced, adding weight to the pipe and increasing the complexity of manufacturing.

Answer 3

Triangular and square shapes create resistance and thin the water in spots, making freezing easier. Circular pipes create almost no friction, causing the water to flow freely.

Answer 4

2 reasons already explained,

a round pipe has the minimum surface area exposed to the water so there is less drag on the water at it flows down the pipe (i.e. less friction) - so you need less energy to pump the water, or conversely you will drain a higher flowrate under gravity

Round pipe is easier to make than other sections and is also stronger for the amount of material you use, as described above...

Answer 5

Straight sided pipes will not handle normal internal design pressures unless the wall thicknesses are very thick in comparison to round pipes wall thicknesses.

Answer 6

the largest amount of water with the least amount of materials can go thru a round pipe (same reason they make cylindrical cans of soup) and the amount of surface tension will be less with no corners.

Answer 7

Other than what she said, circular pipes are easy to bend since they don't have angles.

Answer 8

Try drilling a square or triangular hole sometime...

Answer 9

Is there any clear design to prove about this designing?