Paper 16: Computer Calculation of Stresses in Axi-Symmetric Thermally Loaded Components

The paper contains a brief review of some of the approximate methods employed at times for the calculation of thermal stresses in axi-symmetric bodies. Methods for the calculation of temperature fields are discussed, and computer programs are described for the calculation of temperatures at discrete points in a rectangular grid network by means of relaxation techniques. Methods for automatic generation of input cards for investigation of systematic variation of design configurations are displayed and automatic plotting of isotherms shown by examples. A method is described for computer calculation of thermal stresses in axi-symmetric bodies by employing a large number of triangular elements. Use of the program is outlined and various methods for presentation of the results are discussed. Typical results are shown. The present program employs constant temperature and stress over each element, but an advanced version allows a linear variation. This may make direct computer plotting of stress fields possible and do away with the costly manual plotting now required. Extensions of the program to include yield and creep are also discussed.