Thermal stresses arise in materials when they are heated or cooled. Thermal stresses effect the operation of facilities, both because of the large components subject to stress and because they are effected by the way in which the plant is operated. This chapter describes the concerns associated with thermal stress.

Tipics covered in this course: 

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  the two stresses that are the result of thermal shock (stress) to plant materials.


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  the two causes of thermal stresses.


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  Given the material's coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion, CALCULATE the thermal stress on a material using Hooke's Law.


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  why thermal stress is a major concern in reactor systems when rapidly heating or cooling a thick-walled vessel.


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  the three operational limits that are specifically intended to reduce the severity of thermal shock.