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Temperature Loading

Theory

A simple temperature loading model is available based on a specified thermal expansion coefficient (α) and a temperature variation (ΔT). The axial strain, , of an element subjected to thermal loading is defined as:

       (1)

So the applied axial force due to thermal expansion, FT, is defined as:

       (2)

where EA is the axial stiffness of the element.

If the element is free to expand axially, it will elongate by the relevant axial strain εA. Where the element is constrained, it will experience a compressive axial force equal to FT.

Relevant Keywords

•*TEMPERATURE is used to apply thermal loading.

If you would like to see an example of how this keyword is used in practice, refer to F02 - Upheaval Buckling.