How does temperature variation affect stress analysis in metals?
Understanding how temperature affects the behavior of metals is crucial for mechanical engineers, as it impacts the strength and durability of structures. When you expose metal to different temperatures, it expands or contracts, leading to thermal stress. This stress can cause deformation or failure if not properly accounted for in design. Temperature variation can induce changes in material properties such as yield strength, which determines when a material will deform permanently. As a result, stress analysis must include temperature effects to ensure safety and performance of metal components across their operating temperature range.