CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

THERMAL STRESS
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

Temperature changes cause the body to expand or contract. The

amount 𝛿𝑇 , is given by

𝛿𝑇 = 𝛼𝐿 𝑇𝑓 − 𝑇𝑖 = 𝛼𝐿 ∆𝑇

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.

CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

If temperature deformation is permitted to occur freely, no load or

stress will be induced in the structure. In some cases where
temperature deformation is not permitted, an internal stress is
created. The internal stress created is termed as thermal stress.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

For a homogeneous rod mounted between unyielding supports as

shown, the thermal stress is computed as:

deformation due to temperature changes;

𝛿𝑇 = 𝛼𝐿 ∆𝑇
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

deformation due to equivalent axial stress;

𝑃𝐿 𝐿
𝛿𝑃 = =
𝐴𝐸 𝐸
𝛿𝑇 = 𝛿𝑃
𝐿
𝛼𝐿 ∆𝑇 =
𝐸
 = 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐸
where σ is the thermal stress in MPa and E is the modulus of elasticity
of the rod in MPa.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

If the wall yields a distance of x as shown, the following calculations will

be made:

𝛿𝑇 = 𝑥 + 𝛿𝑃

where σ represents the thermal stress.

Take note that as the temperature rises above the normal, the rod will
be in compression, and if the temperature drops below the normal, the
rod is in tension.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

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.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

For the stress at 0°F:

𝛿 = 𝛿𝑇 + 𝛿𝑠𝑡

𝐿 𝑃𝐿
= 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐿 +
𝐸 𝐴𝐸
𝑃
 = 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐸 +
𝐴
1200
 = (6.5 × 10−6 )(70)(29 × 106 ) +
0.25
 = 17995𝑝𝑠𝑖 = 18𝑘𝑠𝑖
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

For the temperature that causes zero stress:

𝛿𝑇 = 𝛿𝑠𝑡
𝑃𝐿
𝛼𝐿 ∆𝑇 =
𝐴𝐸
𝑃
𝛼 ∆𝑇 =
𝐴𝐸
1200
(6.5 × 10−6 ) (𝑇 − 70) =
0.25(29 × 106 )

𝑇 = 95. 46𝑜 𝐹
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

A steel rod is stretched between two rigid walls and carries a

tensile load of 5000 N at 20°C. If the allowable stress is not to
exceed 130 MPa at -20°C, what is the minimum diameter of the
rod? Assume α = 11.7 µm/(m·°C) and E = 200 GPa.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝛿 = 𝛿𝑇 + 𝛿𝑠𝑡

𝐿 𝑃𝐿
= 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐿 +
𝐸 𝐴𝐸
𝑃
 = 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐸 + 𝑑 2
𝐴
= 137.6 𝑚𝑚2
5000 4
130 = (11.7 × 10−6 )( 200000)(40) +
𝐴
5000 𝑑 = 13.22𝑚𝑚
𝐴= = 137.6 𝑚𝑚2
36.4
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

Steel railroad reels 10 m long are laid with a clearance of 3 mm at a

temperature of 15°C. At what temperature will the rails just touch?
What stress would be induced in the rails at that temperature if there
were no initial clearance? Assume α = 11.7 µm/(m·°C) and E = 200 GP
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝛿𝑇 = 3𝑚𝑚

𝛿𝑇 = 𝛼𝐿 ∆𝑇
𝛿𝑇 = 𝛼𝐿 𝑇𝑓 − 𝑇𝑖

3 = (11.7 × 10−6 )(10000) 𝑇𝑓 − 15

𝑇𝑓 = 40. 64𝑜 𝐶
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

Required stress:
𝛿 = 𝛿𝑇
𝐿
= 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐿
𝐸
 = 𝛼𝐸 𝑇𝑓 − 𝑇𝑖

 = (11.7 × 10−6 )(200000) 40.64 − 15

 = 60𝑀𝑃𝑎
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

A steel rod 3 feet long with a cross-sectional area of 0.25 in.2 is

stretched between two fixed points. The tensile force is 1200 lb at
40°F. Using E = 29 × 106 psi and α = 6.5 × 10−6 in./(in.·°F),
calculate
(a) the temperature at which the stress in the bar will be 10 ksi;
and
(b) the temperature at which the stress will be zero.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

(a) Without temperature change:

𝑃 1200
= = = 4800𝑝𝑠𝑖
𝐴 0.25

 = 4.8𝑘𝑠𝑖 < 10𝑘𝑠𝑖

A drop of temperature is needed to increase the stress to 10 ksi.

See figure.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝛿 = 𝛿𝑇 + 𝛿𝑠𝑡
𝐿 𝑃𝐿
= 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐿 +
𝐸 𝐴𝐸
𝑃
 = 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐸 +
𝐴
1200
10000 = (6.5 × 10−6 ) 29 × 106 ∆𝑇 +
0.25
∆𝑇 = 27.59𝑜 𝐹

𝑅𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 ∶ 𝑇 = 40 − 27.59 = 12.41𝑜 𝐹

CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

b. Temperature at which stress will be zero

𝛿 = 𝛿𝑇
𝑃𝐿
= 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐿
𝐴𝐸
𝑃 = 𝛼𝐴𝐸 𝑇𝑓 − 𝑇𝑖

1200 = (6.5 × 10−6 )(0.25)(29 × 106 ) 𝑇𝑓 − 40

𝑇𝑓 = 65.46𝑜 𝐹
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

A bronze bar 3 m long with a cross sectional area of 320 mm2 is

placed between two rigid walls as shown. At a temperature of -
20°C, the gap Δ = 25 mm. Find the temperature at which the
compressive stress in the bar will be 35 MPa. Use 𝛼 = 18.0 × 10−6
m/(m·°C) and E = 80 GPa.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝛿𝑇 = 𝛿 + ∆
𝐿
𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐿 = = +2.5
𝐸
(35)(3000)
(18.0 × 10−6 )∆𝑇 (3000) = = +2.5
80000
∆𝑇 = 70.6𝑜 𝐶

𝑇 = 70.6 − 20 = 50.6𝑜 𝐶
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

Calculate the increase in stress for each segment of the compound

bar shown if the temperature increases by 100°F. Assume that the
supports are unyielding and that the bar is suitably braced against
buckling.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝛿𝑇 = 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐿

𝛿𝑇(𝑠𝑡) = (6.5 × 10−6 )(15)(100)

𝛿𝑇(𝑠𝑡) = 0.00975 𝑖𝑛

𝛿𝑇(𝑎𝑙) = (12.8 × 10−6 )(10)(100)

𝛿𝑠𝑡 +𝛿𝑎𝑙 = 𝛿𝑇(𝑠𝑡) + 𝛿𝑇(𝑎𝑙)
𝛿𝑇(𝑎𝑙) = 0.0128𝑖𝑛 𝑃𝐿 𝑃𝐿
+ = 0.00975 + 0.0128
𝐴𝐸 𝑠𝑡 𝐴𝐸 𝑎𝑙
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝑃
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑃𝑠𝑡 = 𝑃𝑎𝑙 = 𝑃. 𝑇ℎ𝑢𝑠 =
𝐴
𝑃(15) 𝑃(10)
+ = 0.02255
(1.5)(29 × 10 ) (2)(10 × 10 )
6 6

26691.84
𝑠𝑡 = = 17.8𝑘𝑠𝑖
𝑃 = 26691.84𝑙𝑏 1.5

26691.84
𝑎𝑙𝑡 = = 13.35𝑘𝑠𝑖
2.0
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

At a temperature of 80°C, a steel tire 12 mm thick and 90 mm wide

that is to be shrunk onto a locomotive driving wheel 2 m in
diameter just fits over the wheel, which is at a temperature of 25°C.
Determine the contact pressure between the tire and wheel after the
assembly cools to 25°C. Neglect the deformation of the wheel
caused by the pressure of the tire. Assume 𝛼 = 11.7 µm/(m·°C) and
E = 200 GPa.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝛿 = 𝛿𝑇 = 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐿
𝑃𝐿
= 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐿
𝐴𝐸
𝑃 = 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐴𝐸

𝑃 = (11.7 × 10−6 )(80 − 25)(90𝑥12)(200000) 𝐹 = 2𝑃

𝑃 = 138996 𝑁 = 139𝑘𝑁 𝐷𝐿 = 2𝑃

(2000)(90) = 2(138996)
 = 1.5444𝑀𝑃𝑎
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

The rigid bar ABC is pinned at B and

attached to the two vertical rods.
Initially, the bar is horizontal and the
vertical rods are stress-free. Determine
the stress in the aluminum rod if the
temperature of the steel rod is
decreased by 40°C. Neglect the weight
of bar ABC.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

Contraction of steel rod, assuming complete freedom:

𝛿𝑇(𝑠𝑡) = 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐿
𝛿𝑇(𝑠𝑡) = (11.7 × 10−6 )(900)(40)

𝛿𝑇(𝑠𝑡) = 0.4212𝑚𝑚

The steel rod cannot freely contract because of the resistance of

aluminum rod. The movement of A (referred to as δA), therefore, is
less than 0.4212 mm. In terms of aluminum, this movement is (by
ratio and proportion):
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝛿𝐴 𝛿𝑎𝑙
=
0.6 1.2
𝛿𝐴 = 0.5 𝛿𝑎𝑙
𝛿𝑇(𝑠𝑡) = 𝛿𝑠𝑡 + 𝛿𝐴

𝑃𝐿 𝑃𝐿
0.4212 = + 0.5
𝐴𝐸 𝑠𝑡 𝐴𝐸 𝑎𝑙
𝑃𝑠𝑡 (900) 𝑃𝑎𝑙 (1200)
0.4212 = + 0.5
(300)(200000) (1200)(70000

28080 − 𝑃𝑠𝑡 = 0.4762𝑃𝑎𝑙

CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

Σ𝑀𝐵 = 0
28080 − 𝑃𝑠𝑡 = 0.4762𝑃𝑎𝑙
0.6𝑃𝑠𝑡 = 1.2𝑃𝑎𝑙
28080 − 2𝑃𝑎𝑙 = 0.4762𝑃𝑎𝑙
𝑃𝑠𝑡 = 2𝑃𝑎𝑙
𝑃𝑎𝑙 = 11340𝑁

𝑃𝑎𝑙 11340
𝑎𝑙 = = = 9.45𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐴𝑎𝑙 1200
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

As shown, there is a gap between the

aluminum bar and the rigid slab that
is supported by two copper bars. At
10°C, Δ = 0.18 mm. Neglecting the
mass of the slab, calculate the stress in
each rod when the temperature in the
assembly is increased to 95°C. For
each copper bar, A= 500 mm2 , E =
120 GPa, and 𝛼 = 16.8 µm/(m·°C). For
the aluminum bar, A = 400 mm2 , E =
70 GPa, and 𝛼 = 23.1 µm/(m·°C).
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

Assuming complete freedom:

𝛿𝑇 = 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐿

𝛿𝑇(𝑐𝑜) = (16.8 × 10−6 )(750)(95 − 10)

𝛿𝑇(𝑐𝑜) = 1.071𝑚𝑚

𝛿𝑇(𝑎𝑙) = (23.1 × 10−6 )(750 − 0.18)(95 − 10)

𝛿𝑇(𝑎𝑙) = 1.472𝑚𝑚
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝛿𝑇(𝑎𝑙) −  = 𝛿𝑎𝑙 + 𝛿𝑇(𝑐𝑜) + 𝛿𝑐𝑜

𝛿𝑇(𝑎𝑙) − 𝛿𝑎𝑙 −  = 𝛿𝑇(𝑐𝑜) + 𝛿𝑐𝑜

𝑃𝐿 𝑃𝐿
1.472 − − 0.18 = 1.071 +
𝐴𝐸 𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝐸 𝑐𝑜

2𝐹(750 − 18) 𝐹(750)

1.472 − − 0.18 = 1.071 +
(400)(70000) (500)(120000)

𝐹 = 3345.44𝑁
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝑃𝑐𝑜 = 𝐹 = 3345.44𝑁

𝑃𝑎𝑙 = 2𝐹 = 6690.88𝑁

𝑃𝑐𝑜 3345.44
𝑐𝑜 = = = 6.69𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐴𝑐𝑜 500

𝑃𝑎𝑙 6690.88
𝑎𝑙 = = = 16.73𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐴𝑎𝑙 400
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

A rigid bar of negligible weight is supported

as shown. If W = 80 kN, compute the
temperature change that will cause the
stress in the steel rod to be 55 MPa. Assume
the coefficients of linear expansion are 11.7
µm/(m·°C) for steel and 18.9 µm / (m·°C) for
bronze.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

Stress in bronze when σst = 55 MPa

Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0
4𝑃𝑏𝑟 + 𝑃𝑠𝑡 = 80000(2.5)
4𝑏𝑟 1300 + 55(320) = 80000(2.5)

𝑏𝑟 = 35.08𝑀𝑃𝑎
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

By ratio and proportion:

𝛿𝑇(𝑠𝑡) + 𝛿𝑠𝑡 𝛿𝑇(𝑏𝑟) + 𝛿𝑏𝑟

=
1 4

𝐿 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐿 𝑏𝑟 𝐿
𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐿 𝑠𝑡 + = +
𝐸 𝑠𝑡 4 4𝐸 𝑏𝑟

55(1500) (18.9 × 10 −6 )(3000)∆𝑇 (35.08)(3000)

(11.7 × 10 )(1500)∆𝑇 +
−6 = +
200000 4 4(83000)
∆𝑇 = −28.3°C
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

Find the stress in each rod if the

temperature rises 30°C after a load
W = 120 kN is applied.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝛿𝑇 = 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐿
𝛿𝑇(𝑠𝑡) = (11.7 × 10−6 ) 1500 30 = 0.5265mm
𝛿𝑇(𝑏𝑟) =(18.9 × 10−6 )(3000) 30 = 1.701mm

Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0
4𝑃𝑏𝑟 + 𝑃𝑠𝑡 = (2.5)(120000)
4𝑏𝑟 1300 + 𝑠𝑡 (320) = (2.5)(120000)
16.95𝑏𝑟 + 𝑠𝑡 = 937.5
𝑠𝑡 = 937.5 − 16.95𝑏𝑟
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

By ratio and proportion:

𝛿𝑇(𝑠𝑡) + 𝛿𝑠𝑡 𝛿𝑇(𝑏𝑟) + 𝛿𝑏𝑟
=
1 4
𝐿 1.701 𝐿
0.5265 + = +
𝐸 𝑠𝑡 4 4𝐸 𝑏𝑟
𝑠𝑡 (1500) 1.701 𝑏𝑟 (3000)
0.5265 + = +
200000 4 4(83000)

0.5265 + 0.0075𝑠𝑡 = 0.42525 + 0.00904𝑏𝑟

0.0075𝑠𝑡 − 0.00904𝑏𝑟 = −0.10125
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

0.0075(937.5 − 16.95𝑏𝑟 ) − 0.00904𝑏𝑟 = −0.10125

𝑏𝑟 = 54.48𝑀𝑃𝑎

𝑠𝑡 = 937.5 − 16.95 54.48 = 52.2𝑀𝑃𝑎

CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

The composite bar shown is firmly

attached to unyielding supports. An axial
force P = 50 kips is applied at 60°F.
Compute the stress in each material at
120°F. Assume 𝛼 = 6.5 × 10−6 in/(in·°F) for
steel and 12.8 × 10−6 in/(in·°F) for
aluminum.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝛿𝑇 = 𝛼 ∆𝑇 𝐿
𝛿𝑇(𝑎𝑙) = (12.8 × 10−6 ) 15 120 − 60 = 0.01152in

𝛿𝑇(𝑠𝑡) = (6.5 × 10−6 ) 10 120 − 60 = 0.0039in

𝛿𝑇(𝑎𝑙) + 𝛿 𝑇 𝑠𝑡 = 𝛿𝑎𝑙 + 𝛿𝑠𝑡

𝛿𝑇(𝑎𝑙) − 𝛿𝑎𝑙 = 𝛿𝑠𝑡 − 𝛿 𝑇 𝑠𝑡

𝑃𝐿 𝑃𝐿
0.01152 − = − 0.0039
𝐴𝐸 𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝐸 𝑠𝑡
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝑅(15) (𝑅 + 50000)(10)
0.01152 − = − 0.0039
(2)(10 × 10 )
6 (3)(29 × 10 )
6

𝑅 = 11183.25lb

𝑃𝑎𝑙 = 𝑅 = 11183.25lb
𝑃𝑠𝑡 = 𝑅 + 50000 = 61183.25lb

𝑃𝑎𝑙 11183.25 𝑃𝑠𝑡 61183.25

𝑎𝑙 = = = 5591.62𝑝𝑠𝑖 𝑠𝑡 = = = 20394.42 𝑝𝑠𝑖
𝐴𝑎𝑙 2 𝐴𝑠𝑡 3
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

At what temperature will the aluminum

and steel segments have numerically
equal stress?
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝑎𝑙 = 𝑠𝑡
𝑅1 50000 − 𝑅1
=
2 3
𝑅1 = 20000𝑙𝑏
𝑃𝐿
𝛿=
𝐴𝐸
(20000)(15)
𝛿𝑎𝑙 = = 0.015𝑖𝑛
(2)(10 × 10 )
6

(50000 − 20000)(10)
𝛿𝑠𝑡 = = 0.00345𝑖𝑛
(3)(29 × 10 )
6
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝛿𝑎𝑙 − 𝛿𝑇(𝑎𝑙) = 𝛿 𝑇 𝑠𝑡 +𝛿𝑠𝑡

0.015 − (12.8 × 10−6 ) 15 𝑇 = (6.5 × 10−6 )(10)𝑇 + 0.00345

𝑇 = 44.94 °F

A drop of 44.94°F from the standard temperature will make the aluminum and
steel segments equal in stress.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

A rigid horizontal bar of negligible mass

is connected to two rods as shown. If
the system is initially stress-free.
Calculate the temperature change that
will cause a tensile stress of 90 MPa in
the brass rod. Assume that both rods
are subjected to the change in
temperature.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝑀ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 = 0

5𝑃𝑏𝑟 − 3𝑃𝑐𝑜 = 0
5𝑏𝑟 𝐴𝑏𝑟 − 3𝑐𝑜 𝐴𝑐𝑜 = 0
5 90 1200 − 3𝑐𝑜 (1500) = 0
𝑐𝑜 = 120𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐿
𝛿=
𝐸
90(2000) 120(3000)
𝛿𝑏𝑟 = = 1.8𝑚𝑚 𝛿𝑐𝑜 = = 3𝑚𝑚
100000 120000
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

By ratio and proportion:

𝛿𝑇(𝑐𝑜) − 𝛿𝑐𝑜 𝛿𝑏𝑟 − 𝛿𝑇(𝑏𝑟)

=
3 5

5 𝛿𝑇(𝑐𝑜) − 5𝛿𝑐𝑜 = 3𝛿𝑏𝑟 − 3𝛿𝑇(𝑏𝑟)

5(16.8 × 10−6 ) 3000 𝑇 − 5 3 = 1.8 − 3(18.7 × 10−6 )(2000)𝑇

𝑇 = 56.01 °C drop in temperature