Thermal stress

Definition

Thermal stress is the stress created in a material when it undergoes changes in temperature, leading to expansion or contraction. It occurs because different parts of the material may expand or contract at different rates.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Thermal stress arises due to thermal expansion and contraction of materials.
2. Materials with high coefficients of thermal expansion are more susceptible to thermal stress.
3. The relationship between thermal stress ($\sigma$), modulus of elasticity ($E$), coefficient of linear expansion ($\alpha$), and temperature change ($\Delta T$) is given by $\sigma = E \alpha \Delta T$.
4. In engineering, thermal stresses can lead to structural failure if not properly managed.
5. Thermal stress must be considered in the design of bridges, buildings, and electronic devices to prevent damage.

Review Questions

• What causes thermal stress in materials?
• How does the coefficient of linear expansion affect thermal stress?
• What is the formula relating thermal stress, modulus of elasticity, coefficient of linear expansion, and temperature change?

Related terms

Coefficient of Linear Expansion:

A measure indicating how much a material's length changes with a change in temperature.

Modulus of Elasticity: A measure of a material's stiffness or resistance to deformation under load.

Temperature Gradient:

The rate at which temperature changes spatially within a material.