Question

The sample measurements for Aluminum, Copper and Nylon have the same length, width, and thickness. While the length is 76.5mm and the width is 19.5mm, the thickness of these samples are about 0.127 mm.
How might these specimens behave differently if they were thick?

Answer 1

Hi, thanks for the question.

Since the particular scenario for the usage of these wires is not specified, we will consider them from a holistic point of view. Every wire strand has its own purpose, depending on the type of usage, the thickness of wires varies.

Now, copper wires are widely used in electrical components for insulation and as conductors as well. However, they are not used as immensely thick strands or immensely thin strands. They are mostly used as bundles of few wires intertwined together to offer the best functionality. If the wires are too thick, they will take a lot of time to heat or cool, and if they are too thin, they will melt easily and will become unusable. So, an optimum thickness depending on the usage is necessary.

Nylon strands are used in various places where additional strength is needed. For eg, ropes in mountain climbing have cores made from nylon to ensure endurance, durability, and long life. Ranging from the thinnest strands to the thickest cores, Nylon strands are very strong. And as the thickness grows, the strands of nylon start to become stiffer and lose their tendency to stay elastic.

In many cases where the conductivity needed is more than what copper can provide, aluminum wire strands are used. Though aluminum is costlier than copper, it justifies that surge in price with better conductivity to weight ratio. Further aluminum is also a very machinable material in comparison to copper, and hence, it is used in welding practices to making objects. While copper also serves that purpose, aluminum is the go to material for many of these choices. As the thickness of aluminum grows, the material becomes more conductive and hence loses its elasticity.

But, the thickness in aluminum does not affect the inherent softness that it has and hence can be machined with ease in comparison to copper and nylon.