Restrained Thermal Stress and Force
A blocked member develops sigma = E alpha dT x restraint (independent of length) and force F = sigma A; the free expansion alpha L dT is what the restraint blocks. Steel +100 F fully restrained -> 18,850 psi; aluminum nets less. Heating = compression, cooling = tension. A design aid, not the engineer of record.
Formula and source
sigma = E alpha dT x restraint; F = sigma A; free_delta = alpha L dT.
The standard restrained thermal-stress relation (mechanics of materials), by name.
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