Thermal Stress Calculator

Find the stress from a constrained temperature change.

Thermal stress (MPa) 120

Formula: σ = E·α·ΔT

Step-by-step with your numbers:

1. Values used:

2. Young's modulus = 200 GPa

3. Expansion coefficient = 0 1/K

4. Temperature change = 50 K

6. Thermal stress = 120MPa

Did we solve your problem today?

A material that can't expand freely develops thermal stress when heated or cooled.

The math behind it

σ = E·α·ΔT. Steel rails and bridges add gaps to relieve this stress.

Steel (E 200 GPa, α 12×10⁻⁶), ΔT 50 K → 120 MPa.

Why do bridges have expansion joints?

To let parts expand without building up damaging thermal stress.