In which orientation relative to the A post should the relief cut be made when doing a dash displacement?

• A. Parallel
• B. Diagonal
• C. Perpendicular
• D. Unknown

Answer: (C)

Relief cuts are used to relieve the tension in metal before a dash displacement, so the material can deform in a controlled, predictable way. Making the relief cut perpendicular to the A post positions the cut across the primary direction of the post’s stress during displacement. This creates a true weak point that allows the metal to bend or collapse where you want it to, rather than tearing along the length of the post or producing unpredictable fracture lines.

A parallel cut would run the full length of the post, offering little relief and risking tearing along the post itself. A diagonal cut can create unpredictable fracture patterns and jagged edges. So, orienting the cut perpendicular to the A post gives the safest, most controllable path for the dash displacement.