Since welding processes expose the workpiece to high temperatures, weld induced distortion is always

present. We will investigate how distortion affects workpieces and precent several methods to reduce its
effects. These methods are often simple, but without them many workpices would be ruined.

What happens to the dimensions of a metal cube evnly heated to a temperature below its melting point
and then allowed to cool gradually back to room temperature?

Because no metal in the cube is restrained, as the temperature rises it expands at the same amount in all
three dimensions. Increases in length are proportional to temperature. The metal cube returns to its
preheat dimensions when it cools to room temperature. Regardless of its shape, a metal object will return
to its original dimensions on returning to room temperature if it is not restrained and gradually heated
and cooled.

What happens to the dimensions of a solid metal cube restrained in one dimension (as between the jaws
a very rigid vice) when evenly heated from room temperature to a temperature below its melting point
and then allowed to cool back to room temperature?

As the temperature rises, the metal expands and the of the cube increases. Since the cube cannot move
horizontally (the x direction) due to the restraints of the immovable vice jaws at either end, the cube must
expand more in the Y and Z dimensions. The amount of expansion in the Y and Z directions is greater than
the elastic properties of the metal. When yield strength