During reconstruction of the Statue of Liberty, Teflon spacers were placed between the iron skeleton and the copper plates that cover the statue. What purpose do these spacers serve?

Materials expand and contract with changes in temperature. This is called thermal expansion. Different materials have different rates of thermal expansion. For example, copper and iron expand at different rates when they heat up or cool down.
When these materials are used together, as in the Statue of Liberty, this difference can cause stress. This stress can lead to cracks or other structural issues. Teflon spacers help accommodate these differences. The spacers allow both the copper plates and the iron skeleton to expand and contract independently. This helps in avoiding damage.
By providing a flexible buffer between materials, Teflon spacers absorb the stresses caused by thermal expansion. This is crucial for maintaining the statue's structural integrity over time.
Understanding and addressing thermal expansion is important in many engineering fields. It ensures that structures remain safe and durable as temperatures change.

A galvanic reaction occurs when two different metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte. In simpler terms, when metals like copper and iron touch and there's moisture, corrosion can happen. This is because electron transfer starts between the metals, leading to one metal corroding more rapidly than the other.
In the case of the Statue of Liberty, iron and copper are the metals in question. When they touch, especially in a marine environment where there's lots of moisture, the risk of galvanic corrosion increases. Over time, this corrosion can weaken the structure. Teflon spacers serve as a barrier between these metals.
By preventing direct metal-to-metal contact, Teflon spacers stop the galvanic reaction from occurring. This keeps the metals from corroding, thus preserving the structural integrity of the statue.
Understanding galvanic reaction and how to prevent it is key for the longevity of metallic structures exposed to different environmental conditions.

Structural integrity refers to a structure's ability to hold together under a load, without breaking or deforming. For structures like the Statue of Liberty, maintaining structural integrity is critical.
Factors like thermal expansion and galvanic reaction can compromise the integrity of a structure. If not managed well, they can lead to material failure or even collapse. This is where smart engineering solutions, like using Teflon spacers, make a big difference.
Teflon spacers were essential in preserving the statue's structural integrity during its reconstruction. They provided a buffer to manage the stresses from thermal expansion and prevented the corrosion that could have weakened the structure.
Ensuring structural integrity means taking into account all possible stressors and addressing them properly. This helps to extend the lifeline of a structure and keep it safe for years to come.
In summary, Teflon spacers played a vital role in ensuring that the Statue of Liberty remains standing strong and enduring for future generations to admire.