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Thermal stress develops when temperature changes constrain material expansion. Critical in composite structures and multi-material assemblies.

Fórmula

Calculate: σ_th = E × α × ΔT where α is expansion coefficient
E
E value — Variable used in the calculation

Guía paso a paso

  1. 1Calculate: σ_th = E × α × ΔT where α is expansion coefficient
  2. 2If constrained (cannot expand freely), stress develops
  3. 3Account for different materials with different expansions

Ejemplos resueltos

Entrada
Steel bar L=1m, ΔT=50K, α=12×10⁻⁶, E=200GPa, fully constrained
Resultado
σ ≈ 120 MPa tensile stress
Significant stress

Errores comunes a evitar

  • Neglecting thermal stress in composite structures
  • Assuming small temperature changes are negligible

Preguntas frecuentes

Why do bridges have expansion joints?

To allow free expansion/contraction from temperature; otherwise excessive stress develops.

How do mismatched material expansions cause problems?

Different αbetween materials creates internal stress at interfaces that can cause cracking.

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