Fixed Pipes - Temperature and Stress

Stress in fixed pipes depends on change in temperatures

The stress in a fixed pipe depends on the temperature of the pipe and can be expressed as

σ = α E dt         (1)

where

σ = stress (MPa, lb/in²)

α = linear expansion coefficient (m/m^oK, inch/inch^oF)

E = modulus of elasticity of the piping material (MPa, lb/in²)

dt = temperature change from installation temperature (^oC, ^oF)

The stress must not exceed maximum allowable stress for the chosen piping material. Be aware that with frequently change in temperature the stress cycle (with stress well below the maximum allowable limit) may fatigue the pipe.

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