Final answer:
To calculate the maximum length of the central pivoting section of the New Bedford/Fairhaven bridge, use the formula for linear thermal expansion of steel and consider the temperature range. Subtract the engineering minimum clearance at the highest temperature to get the maximum length.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the maximum length of the central pivoting section of the New Bedford/Fairhaven bridge, we need to consider the linear thermal expansion of steel. The formula for calculating linear thermal expansion is ΔL = αL0ΔT, where ΔL is the change in length, α is the coefficient of linear expansion, L0 is the initial length, and ΔT is the change in temperature. Given that the coefficient of linear expansion for steel is 11.0 x 10-6/°C, the initial length of the section is 283.20 ft, and the temperature range is -20.0°F to 110.0°F, we can calculate the maximum change in length. Additionally, we need to account for the 0.375 in engineering minimum clearance at 110°F by subtracting it from the maximum change in length. Therefore, the maximum length the central pivoting section can be is 283.20 ft + maximum change in length - 0.375 in.