3 ms·
>>metal on the other hand loses structural integrity when exposed to heat shockingly fast. the wtc towers showcased this effect quite publicly. but isn't that
by MichaelApproved 16y ago
>>metal on the other hand loses structural integrity when exposed to heat shockingly fast. the wtc towers showcased this effect quite publicly.
but isn't that at extremely high temperature? Wouldn't that same amount of heat burn wood far faster than it would damage metal?
The wtc towers were exposed to jet fuel and beaten by a jetliner slamming into the building. Also, the metal beams in the wtc towers were made of steel while ladders are made of aluminum.
- evgen 16y agoFor a straight-up failure test, yes. Try exposing wood and metal to fire, then cool it, then expose it again, etc. You can tell visually when the wood is likely to fail much easier than the metal.
- sokoloff 16y agoAluminum (in most alloys) loses significant strength in the 400-500*F range. By 600F, Al alloys are very weak. http://www.burnsstainless.com/yieldstrength.aspx http://www.burnsstainless.com/yieldstrength.aspx
- baguasquirrel 16y agoAluminium also melts before it glows red from being hot. It's why it's relatively difficult to weld, and why there were a lot of failures in early aluminum-frame bikes.