Coefficient of linear thermal expansion of a composite bar

[F|234K]

question: a composite bar of length L=L1+L2 is made from a bar of material 1 and length L1 attached to a bar of material 2 and length L2.

show that the effective coefficient of linear thermal expansion is :

alpha= (a1L1+a2L2)/L

[- alpha/a=coefficient of linear thermal expansion]

i have no idea how to derive that equation, the only thing i no/learned from reading the book is that the equation for the coefficient of linear thermal expansion for one material is alpha=(delta L)/Lo(delta T)

anyone who can show me/drop some hints would be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance

 

[Doc Al]

Hint: The expansion (\Delta L) of the composite bar is the sum of the expansions of each segment.

 

[F|234K]

ahhh...that clearified me...i think i get it...thanks a lot.