Which mechanism limited the maximum size of pre-industrial water wheels used for power generation?

💡 Explanation

When water wheel size increases, bearing failure occurs because the load on the bearings supporting the wheel's axle increases proportionally to the wheel's diameter and water volume, eventually exceeding the material's load-bearing capacity. Therefore bearing failure limits size, rather than turbine erosion, gear slippage, or material fatigue which require different stress conditions.

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