Curioustab Logo Curioustab
Home » Mechanical Engineering » Strength of Materials

Thermal stress due to cooling: nature of stress developed in a bar cooled to −5°C A straight uniform bar is cooled down to −5°C. Assume the bar's ends are fully restrained against axial movement so that free contraction cannot occur. Identify the nature of stress developed due to cooling.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Tensile stress

Explanation:

AssumptionThe bar is restrained longitudinally (standard design assumption unless “free to expand/contract” is stated). If unrestrained, thermal stress would be zero.

ConceptCooling tends to contract the bar by α·ΔT. Restraint prevents contraction, inducing a tensile stress to balance the prevented strain.

StepIf restrained, σ = E·α·|ΔT| (tension under cooling).

Final AnswerTensile stress.

← Previous Question Next Question→

More Questions from Strength of Materials

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion