Thermal Expansion of 2 attached metals

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the thermal expansion behavior of two attached metals with differing coefficients of thermal expansion. When heated, the metal with the higher thermal expansion coefficient, if positioned on top, will curve upwards, away from the wall. This conclusion is based on the principle that the metal with greater expansion will attempt to elongate more than the one with lesser expansion, resulting in an upward curvature. Key factors influencing this behavior include the method of attachment, the specific coefficients of thermal expansion, and the temperature conditions during the experiment.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermal expansion coefficients
  • Knowledge of material properties of metals
  • Familiarity with basic mechanics of materials
  • Concept of fixed points in structural attachments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the coefficients of thermal expansion for common metals
  • Study the mechanics of composite materials under thermal stress
  • Learn about the effects of temperature on metal properties
  • Explore methods for measuring thermal expansion in laboratory settings
USEFUL FOR

Students studying materials science, engineers working with metal structures, and anyone interested in the effects of thermal expansion in composite materials.

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Homework Statement



This is more of a concept that I am confused on.

IF there are 2 metals, one on top of the other, and they are attached to each other and attached to a wall, and the only thing different between the two metals is the thermal expansion. When heated will the metal curve down or upwards?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Assuming the metal with the higher thermal expansion is on top, I thought it would curve towards the smaller thermal expansion, which would be downwards.
 
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Attached how? At fixed points or are the metals welded along their interface? Which metal is heated? What are the coefficients of expansion? Is the temperature near the melting point of one or both metals (will their be sag not related to thermal expansion/contraction)?
 

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