Thermal Stress
Thermal stress is created by thermal expansion or contraction. Thermal stress can be destructive, such as when
expanding gasoline ruptures a tank. It can also be useful, for example, when two parts are joined together by
heating one in manufacturing, then slipping it over the other and allowing the combination to cool. Thermal
stress can explain many phenomena, such as the weathering of rocks and pavement by the expansion of ice
when it freezes.
Forces and pressures created by thermal stress can be quite large. Railroad tracks and roadways can buckle on
hot days if they lack sufficient expansion joints. Power lines sag more in the summer than in the winter, and
will snap in cold weather if there is insufficient slack. Cracks open and close in plaster walls as a house warms
and cools. Glass cooking pans will crack if cooled rapidly or unevenly, because of differential contraction and
the stresses it creates.
Temperature changes cause the body to expand or contract. The amount
𝛿, is given by:
δT = αL(Tf − Ti)
where:
α = coefficient of thermal expansion (m/moC)
L = length of rod (m)
Ti = initial temperature (oC)
Tf = final temperature (oC)
If temperature deformation is permitted to occur freely, no load or stress will induced in the structure. In some
cases where temperature deformation is not permitted, an internal stress is created. The internal stress created
is termed thermal stress.
For a homogeneous rod mounted between unyielding supports as shown, the stress is computed as:
Deformation due to changes:
✿𝐓 = 𝑎 𝐋∆𝐓 𝐄𝐪. 𝟏
Deformation due to equivalent axial
stress:
∆ = 𝐏𝐋 = 𝜎𝐋
𝐀𝐄 𝐄 (𝐄𝐪. 𝟐)
Equating (Eq.1) and (Eq,2)
∆𝐏= δT
σL = αL∆T
E
𝜎 = 𝑎𝐄∆𝐓 (𝐄𝐪. 𝟑)
where:
σ = thermal stress (MPa)
E = modulus of elasticity (MPa)
If the wall yields a distance x as shown, the following calculations will be made:
δT = x + ∆p
𝑎 𝐋 𝐓 − 𝐓 = 𝐱 + 𝜎L (𝐄𝐪. 4)
E
Take note as the temperature rises above normal, the rod will be in compression, and if the temperature drops
below the normal, the rod is in tension.
Coefficient of Linear Expansion of Various Materials
Substance Coefficient of linear expansion, 𝛼
[m/(moC)]
Aluminum 25.0 x 10
−6
Brass 18.9 x 10−6
Copper 16.5 x 10
−6
Glass 8.5 x 10−6
Iron 11.7 x 10
−6
Lead 29.3 x 10−6
Nickel 12.8 x 10
−6
Silver 18.8 x 10−6
Steel 13.2 x 10
−6
Zinc 20.0 x 10−6
Ice 51.0 x 10
−6
Modulus of elasticity- measures an object’s resistance to being deformed elastically when a force is
applied to it.
Problem 1: A steel railroad reels 10 m long are laid with a clearance of 3 mm at a temperature of 15°C.
Assume α = 11.7 µm/(m·°C) and E = 200 GPa.
a. At what temperature will the rails just touch?
b. What stress would be induced in the rails at that temperature if there were no initial clearance?
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚:
δT = αL∆T
δT = αL(Tf − Ti)
0.003 = 11.7x10−6 (10)(Tf − 15)
𝐓𝐟 = 𝟒𝟎. 𝟔𝟒 ℃
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐛:
∆ = δT
σL = αL∆T
E
σ = αE∆T
σ = (11.7 × 10−6)(200,000)(40.64 − 15)
𝜎 = 𝟔𝟎 𝐌𝐏𝐚
Problem 2: A bronze bar 3 m long with cross-sectional area of 320 mm2 is placed between two rigid
walls. At a temperature of -20 oC, the gap ∆ = 2.5 mm. Find the temperature at which the compressive
stress in the bar will be 35 MPa. Use 𝛼 = 18.0 x 10-6 m/(m oC) and E = 80 GPa.
Solution 1:
When the right end of rod reaches the wall:
∆ = αL(Tf − Ti)
2.5 = 18x10−6 3,000 [T1 − (−20)]
𝐓𝟏 = 𝟐𝟔. 𝟑 ℃
When the rod is pressed against the wall:
σ = Eα T2− T1
35 = (18x10−6)(80,000) T2− 26.3
𝐓𝟐 = 𝟓𝟎. 𝟔 ℃
Solution 2:
Problem 3: A steel rod with a cross-sectional area of 0.25 in2 is stretched between two fixed points. The
tensile load at 70°F is 1200 lb. What will be the stress at 0°F? At what temperature will the stress be zero?
Assume α = 6.5 × 10-6 in/(in·°F) and E = 29 × 106 psi.
Problem 4: A steel rod 3 feet long with a cross-sectional area of 0.25 in2 is stretched between two fixed
points. The tensile force is 1200 lb at 40°F. Using E = 29 × 106 psi and α = 6.5 x 10-6 in/(in.°F), calculate:
(a) the temperature at which the stress will be zero.
(b) the temperature at which the stress in the bar will be 10 ksi;
