Calculating Buckle Height of Steel Railroad Rail at 25°C

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the buckle height of a 1km steel railroad rail at 25°C, which is securely fastened at both ends. The problem involves understanding thermal dynamics and thermal expansion principles. To solve this, one must reference the coefficient of thermal expansion for steel, which is essential for determining how much the rail expands with the temperature increase from 20°C to 25°C. The course context is Phys153 at UBC, emphasizing the relevance of these concepts in practical applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermal dynamics
  • Knowledge of thermal expansion principles
  • Familiarity with the coefficient of thermal expansion for materials, specifically steel
  • Basic geometry to analyze triangular shapes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the coefficient of thermal expansion for steel at various temperatures
  • Learn how to apply thermal expansion formulas in practical scenarios
  • Study the geometric properties of triangles to calculate heights
  • Explore real-world applications of thermal expansion in engineering
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This discussion is beneficial for students in physics courses, particularly those studying thermal dynamics, as well as engineers and professionals involved in materials science and structural engineering.

ppchiu
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Hey guys, first time posting here! So hope I'm welcomed. Anyways, I'm stumped on this question my prof assigned. Maybe someone here could give me a hand.

" A 1km steel railroad rail is fastened securely at both ends when the temperature is 20 degrees C. With increasing temperature the rail begins to buckle. Assuming the buckle is triangular, how high is the buckle at 25 degrees C."

Prof didn't really go over the material with us... We're doing thermal dynamics , thermal expansion etc... the course I'm taking is Phys153 @ UBC if it helps

Thx in advance! :smile:
 
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ppchiu said:
Hey guys, first time posting here! So hope I'm welcomed. Anyways, I'm stumped on this question my prof assigned. Maybe someone here could give me a hand.

" A 1km steel railroad rail is fastened securely at both ends when the temperature is 20 degrees C. With increasing temperature the rail begins to buckle. Assuming the buckle is triangular, how high is the buckle at 25 degrees C."

Prof didn't really go over the material with us... We're doing thermal dynamics , thermal expansion etc... the course I'm taking is Phys153 @ UBC if it helps
Welcome to PF!

You will need to look up the coefficient of thermal expansion for steel (per deg. C) at 20 deg. C.

AM
 

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