Question

A mechanical device rests in a level position on two supports, each 42 inches high, at 60°F. The support at one end is gray cast iron; at the other end, structural steel. What is the greatest amount the device can be out of level due to differences in expansion if the temperature rises to 165°F?​

Answer 1

0.006174 in

Step-by-step explanation:

The thermal expansion coefficients I found were ...

5.8×10^-6/°F for gray cast iron

7.2×10^-6/°F for structural steel

Then the difference in expansion dimensions for a 42-inch length will be ...

(42 in)((7.2 -5.8)×10^-6/°F)(165 -60)°F = (42 in)(1.4×10^-6)(105) = 0.006174 in

The difference in thermal expansion over that temperature range will be about 0.006174 inches.