Thermal Stress

Temperature changes cause the body to expand or contract. The amount δT, is given by
 

$\delta_T = \alpha L \, (T_f \, - \, T_i) = \alpha L \, \Delta T$

where α is the coefficient of thermal expansion in m/m°C, L is the length in meter, Ti and Tf are the initial and final temperatures, respectively in °C. For steel, α = 11.25 × 10-6 m/m°C.
 

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.
 

Solution to Problem 257 Statically Indeterminate

Problem 257
Three bars AB, AC, and AD are pinned together as shown in Fig. P-257. Initially, the assembly is stress free. Horizontal movement of the joint at A is prevented by a short horizontal strut AE. Calculate the stress in each bar and the force in the strut AE when the assembly is used to support the load W = 10 kips. For each steel bar, A = 0.3 in.2 and E = 29 × 106 psi. For the aluminum bar, A = 0.6 in.2 and E = 10 × 106 psi.
 

Figure 257