remarks notice the use of 2.01 m in the denominator of the last calculation, rather than 2.00 m. this is because, in effect, the strut was compressed back to the original length from the length to which it would have expanded. (the difference is negligible, however.) the answer exceeds the ultimate compressive strength of steel and underscores the importance of allowing for thermal expansion. of course, it's likely the strut would bend, relieving some of the stress (creating some shear stress in the process). finally, if the strut is attached at both ends by bolts, thermal expansion and contraction would exert sheer stresses on the bolts, possibly weakening or loosening them over time. question which of the following combinations of properties will result in the smallest expansion of a substance due to the absorption of a given amount q of thermal energy? small specific heat, large coefficient of expansion small specific heat, small coefficient of expansion large specific heat, small coefficient of expansion large specific heat, large coefficient of expansion practice it use the worked example above to help you solve this problem. a steel strut near a ship's furnace is 1.90 m long, with a mass of 1.67 kg and a cross-sectional area of 1.00 10-4 m2. during operation of the furnace, the strut absorbs thermal energy in a net amount of 2.50 105 j. (a) find the change in temperature of the strut.