Mechanics of Deformable Bodies

Thermal Stresses
 Thermal Stresses
It is the stress resulting from thermal expansion (or
contraction) of a body when subjected to thermal changes.
The expansion (or contraction) of a body undergoing thermal
deformation is given by:

Where:
= thermal deformation, mm
= coefficient of thermal expansion, /°C, represents the
normal strain caused by a one degree change in temperature
= length of member, mm
= change in temperature, °C
ROAD EXPANSION JOINT
RAILWAY TRACKS EXPANSION JOINTS
 THERMAL STRESS
Thermal Stress
• Increase in temperature results in expansion
• Decrease in temperature results in contraction
Thermal Strain

Thermal Deformation

Thermal Stress
 Sample Problem
The bronze bar 3 m long with a cross-sectional area of 350 is
placed between two rigid walls. At a temperature of - 20 °C, there
is a gap = 2.2 mm, as shown in the figure. Find the temperature at
which the compressive stress in the bar will be 30 MPa. Use a and
E = 80 GPa.
 Sample Problem

Calculate the increase in stress in each segment of

the compound bar if the temperature is increased
by 80 °F. Assume that the supports are unyielding
and use the following data: