A pair of identical beams with the same length $($l$)$ and width are provided below $($width b is not shown in the figures$).$ Two scenarios are given for this beam structure: In Scenario $1,$ the beam is a single piece with a thickness of h$.$ In Scenario $2,$ the same beam is constructed by stacking two plates with a thickness of h$/2$ on top of each other. There is no connection between the plates; both are independent.

Question $1$: Evaluate the weight of both constructions, is there any difference between them?

Question $2$: Find mathematically the highest normal stress $(\backslash$sigma max $)$ values that occur within the material when both constructions are subjected to the same amount of bending moment. Are the results the same for both scenarios? In which one is the highest stress lower?

Question $3$: If the plates in Scenario $2$ were very well adhered to each other $($Scenario $3),$ how would the results change?

Question $4$: In Scenario $3,$ if the upper plate and lower plate were not identical $($e$.$g$.,$ upper plate is Copper, lower plate is Steel$),$ how would the maximum compressive and tensile stresses be$?$

 

1 1 DT 3) h/2 h2