Which limitation delayed wider adoption of cast iron components for early firearms despite gunpowder advancements in Song Dynasty China?

💡 Explanation

Early cast iron often suffered from internal stress fractures due to uneven cooling, a problem called thermal shock. This prevented reliable cannon manufacture because the structural integrity of cast iron was unpredictable, therefore cannons could explode rather than propel the projectile consistently.

• Which approach did Al-Khwarizmi use when geometrically 'completing the square' within quadratic equations?
• Which adjustment compensated for atmospheric refraction during celestial observations using an Islamic astrolabe?
• Which risk increased for ancient Andean terraced farms near Machu Picchu when excessive rainfall occurred soon following major terrace construction?
• Which risk increased during ziggurat construction, when masons layered sun-baked bricks without proper mortar bonding?
• Which outcome arises when ancient Roman aqueducts experienced excessive head loss?
• Which irrigation demand risk increases with wide shadier tree canapies covering historic Mughal garden water channels?