Series connection of two rods when heated
SOM-temp-03-EN
Two bars—a steel bar 150 mm long and an aluminum bar 180 mm long—are connected in series between rigid supports. The diameter of both bars is 12 mm. The coefficients of linear thermal expansion are 12×10-6 1/°C for steel and 23×10-6 1/°C for aluminum. The Young's moduli are 210000 MPa for steel and 70000 MPa for aluminum. Determine the parameters of the system after a temperature increase of 42 °C.
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About this task
This task examines the thermal deformation of a steel rod and an aluminum rod connected in series between rigid supports. Students calculate the free thermal elongation of each rod, determine the restraint force produced by the supports, evaluate the resulting compressive stress, and find the final change in length of each member. The exercise strengthens understanding of thermal expansion, compatibility of deformations, equilibrium conditions, and stress analysis in statically indeterminate axial members. It is suitable for strength of materials and mechanics courses covering thermal effects in structural elements.