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000478

Dipl.-Ing. (BA) Andreas Niemeier, M.Eng.

2021-01-26

Simulation of Thermal Strains with Specification of Absolute Temperatures

The RFEM and RSTAB structural analysis programs are able to simulate a thermal strain of structural components by means of temperature loads.

Since a global component temperature change has a membrane effect and a temperature change over the component height has a bending effect, the temperature load is defined in two parts in the load dialog box:

Uniform temperature T_c along the member axis x (membrane effect)
Non-uniform temperature ΔT for the y- or z-axis (bending effect)

If the thermal expansion is described by means of component surface temperatures in the examined practical case, the absolute temperature data can be converted to the sought temperature change and temperature difference as follows:

T_{c} = \frac{T_{o} + T_{u}}{2} - T_{r e f}

T_c	Temperature change
T_o	Temperature on the component surface
T_u	Temperature on the bottom surface of the component
T_ref	Reference temperature – mounting temperature

Temperature Change

Δ T = T_{o} - T_{u}

ΔT	Temperature difference
T_o	Temperature on the component surface
T_u	Temperature on the bottom surface of the component

Temperature Gradient

Temperature-Loaded Steel Cantilever

Knowledge Base

KB 000478 | Simulation of Thermal Strains with Specification of Absolute Temperatures

Author

Andreas is responsible for the development of RSTAB, RFEM, and RWIND Simulation, as well as the membrane structure division. In addition, he coordinates quality assurance processes and provides technical support to customers.

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