What advantage do corrugated furnaces provide?

Corrugated furnaces provide the significant advantage of permitting expansion and contraction with reduced stress. This design feature is crucial in managing the thermal expansion that occurs when a furnace is heated during operation. The corrugated structure allows the material to flex as it expands, reducing the likelihood of cracking or deformation that can occur with rigid structures. This flexibility helps maintain the integrity and longevity of the furnace, enhancing its operational reliability and efficiency.

In contrast, the other options do not encapsulate the primary benefit associated with corrugated furnaces. While they may present different aspects or claims about cost or construction, the key characteristic that differentiates corrugated furnaces is their ability to handle thermal stresses elegantly, which is vital for effective furnace operation.