Analysis of Bi-Metal Thermostats

The following investigation contains a general theory of bending of a bi-metal strip submitted to a uniform heating. This theory is applied in analysis of operation of a bi-metal strip thermostat. The equations are obtained for calculating the temperature of buckling, the complete travel during buckling, and the temperature of buckling in a backward direction.. By using these equations the dimensions of the thermostat for a given temperature of operation and a given complete range of temperature can be calculated. The results obtained are based on certain ideal conditions. For example, it was assumed that the differ­ ence in the coefficients of expansion remained constant during heating, that the friction at the supports could be neglected and that the width