CE397

STRENGTH OF MATERIALS
Thermal Stress and Deformation
TOPIC 5: THERMAL STRESS AND DEFORMATION
Principles and Terms For a homogeneous rod mounted between
unyielding supports as shown, the thermal
Thermal Stress stress is:
Temperature changes cause the body to
expand or contract. The amount δT, is given by

where α is the coefficient of thermal

expansion in m/m°C, L is the length in meter,
and Ti and Tf are the initial and final
temperatures, respectively in °C. For steel, α =
11.25 × 10–6 / °C. where σ represents the thermal stress.
Thermal stress =x+Deformation due to equivalent axial stress
TOPIC 5: THERMAL STRESS AND DEFORMATION
SAMPLE PROBLEM: (Thermal Stress and Deformation)

#1. 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.

Answer: T= 95.46 °F
Source: Strength of Materials (4th Edition) by F. Singer & A. Pytel
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TOPIC 5: THERMAL STRESS AND DEFORMATION

Seatwork PROBLEM: (Thermal Stress and Deformation)

#1 A 2014-T6 aluminum tube having a cross-

sectional area of 600mm2 is used as a
sleeve for an A-36 steel bolt having a
cross-sectional area of 400mm2, shown in
the figure. When the temperature is T1=
15°C, the nut holds the assembly in a snug
such that the axial force in the bolt is
negligible. If the temperature increases to
T2=80°C, determine the force in the bolt
and sleeve. Answer: P= 20.30 kN
Source: Mechanics of Materials (8th Edition) by R. C. Hibbeler, page 154
End of Presentation