THERMAL

STRESS
ENGR. KEVIN PAOLO V. ROBLES
 THERMAL STRESS
An increase in temperature results in expansion,
whereas a temperature decrease produces
contraction.

!" = $%∆! '! = $(∆!

$ Coefficient of thermal expansion, oC-1 or oF-1

( Original Length of the member
∆! Change in temperature , C or F
o o
EXAMPLE
A steel rod with a cross-sectional area of 150mm2 is stretched
between two fixed points. The tensile load at 20°C is 5000N.
What will be the stress at -20°C? At what temperature will the
stress be zero? asteel = 11.7x10-6/C° and E=200GPa.

answer :
 EXAMPLE
Two identical steel bars 500mm long support the rigid beam
shown. An aluminum bar is placed exactly in between them, that
is 0.1mm shorter. a) If the rigid beam is weightless determine
the change in temperature for the middle bar to just touch the
beam. b) If the beam weighs 300KN, find the stress in each bar.
c) If the beam weighs 250KN, determine the stress in each bar
when the temperature raises 35C° d) If the beam weighs 320KN,
determine the stress in each bar when the temperature drops
25C°.
Aluminum Steel
0.1mm
A in mm2 2400 1200
500mm
steel aluminum
steel
a in x 10-6 /C° 23 11.7
E in GPa 70 200

answer :
EXAMPLE
The composite bar is firmly attached to unyielding supports. The
initial temperature is 80°F when the load P = 20kips is applied,
compute the stress in when the temperature is 150°F and when
the temperature is 5°F.
Steel
A=5.5 in2
Aluminum
E= 29x106psi
A=3.25 in2
a= 12.8x10-6/F°
E=10x106psi
a= 12.8x10-6/F°

12in 25in

answer :
EXAMPLE
The rigid beam is supported by the two bars shown in a
horizontal position before the load P is applied. If P=200KN,
determine the stress in each rod after an increase in temperature
of 40C° B) drop of 65C°.
Aluminum Steel
A in mm2 600 800
aluminum
a in x 10-6 /C° 23 11.7
steel

L=6 m
L=4.5 m E in GPa 70 200
3m 3m 3m

answer :