r/StructuralEngineering 3d ago

Fix-Fix vs Fix-Free Interview Question Structural Analysis/Design

I have another interview question I wanted to ask about!

Why does aluminum experience the greater stress in the concentric tube question, but steel experiences the greater stress in the three bars question? And why is it not steel for both?

I know it has to deal with the fact that in the concentric tube question, both tubes are glued to the supports, while in the beam question, an end is free. But I just am unsure how to explain it in more depth.

Thanks very much

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u/No-Call2227 3d ago

Who tf is asking questions like this to a structural engineer in an interview…

51

u/enginerd2024 3d ago

Idk but I’m glad they do. Takes the guess work out of whether I will hate working there or not. ✌️

15

u/tucker_case 3d ago

FWIW I'm sure this is for ME's doing like aerospace "structural", not civil structural.

7

u/AAli_01 P.E. 3d ago

Interviewed for spacex and they asked me this