Problem 5: At a temperature of 40 F, a 0.08 in. gap exists between the ends of the two bars shown in the figure at right. Bar (1) is an aluminum alloy with a coefficient of thermal expansion α = 12.5 x 10-6/F, and bar (2) is brass with a coefficient of thermal expansion α = 10.5 x 10-6/F. The supports at A and C are rigid. Determine the lowest temperature at which the two bars contact each other. A (1) 40 in. Answer: AT 74.2°F B 55 in. -0.08-in. gap