Fixed Pipes - Stress vs. Change in Temperature
With temperature change stress is introduced in fixed pipes. The stress can be calculated as:
σ = α E dt (1)
where
σ = stress (MPa, lb/in2)
α = linear expansion coefficient (m/moK, inch/inchoF)
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 temperature changes - the stress cycle (with stress well below the maximum allowable limit) may fatigue the pipe.
Example - Introduced Stress in a Fixed Pipe when Temperature Changes
A carbon steel pipe with linear expansion coefficient 11.7 10-6 m/moC and modulus of elasticity 29.5 106 psi (203 109 Pa (N/m2), 203000 MPa, 203 GPa) is heated from 0oC to 50oC. The stress introduced in the pipe can be calculated as
σ = (11.7 10-6 m/moC) (203 109 N/m2) ((50oC) - (0oC))
= 119 106 N/m2
= 119 MPa
Depending on the material and the codes used - this may be within maximum allowable stress.
Stress Calculator
Related Topics
• Temperature Expansion
Thermal expansion and expansion coefficients. Expansion pipes and tubes made of stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, plastics and more.
Related Documents
Circular Ring - Temperature Expansion
Calculate ring (or pipe) diameter expansion or contraction when temperature changes.
Pipes and Tubes - Temperature Expansion
Pipes expands when heated and contracts when cooled and the expansion can be expressed with the expansion equation.
Piping Materials - Temperature Expansion Coefficients
Temperature expansion coefficients for materials used in pipes and tubes like aluminum, carbon steel, cast iron, PVC, HDPE and more.
Piping Materials - Temperature Heat Expansion and Cooling Contraction
Expansion and contraction when cast iron, carbon and carbon molybdenum steel, wrought iron, copper, brass and aluminum pipes are heated or cooled.
Pressfit Pipes - Expansion Loops
Temperature expansion loops with pressfit piping.
PVC, CPVC, Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel and Fiberglass Pipes - Thermal Expansion Diagrams
Thermal expansion of PVC, CPVC, Carbon and Stainless Steel and Fiberglass pipes.
Restricted Thermal Expansion - Force and Stress
Stress and force when thermal expansion a pipe, beam or similar is restricted.
Steam Boiler Shells - Stress vs. Boiler Pressure
Calculate the stress in steam boiler shells caused by steam pressure.
Steam Pipes - Thermal Expansion
Thermal expansion of steam pipes heated from room temperature to operation temperature (mm pr. 100 m pipe).
Steel Pipes - Temperature Expansion
Calculate temperature expansion with carbon steel pipes.
Steel Pipes - Thermal Expansion Loops
Calculating and sizing steel pipe thermal expansion loops.
Stress in Thick-Walled Cylinders or Tubes
Radial and tangential stress in thick-walled cylinders or tubes with closed ends - with internal and external pressure.
Stress in Thin-Walled Cylinders or Tubes
Hoop and longitudinal stress thin-walled tubes or cylinders.
Thermal Expansion - Linear Expansion Coefficients
Linear temperature expansion coefficients for common materials like aluminum, copper, glass, iron and many more.
Thermal Expansion of Steam Pipes - (inches)
Expansion of steam pipes heated from room temperature to operation temperature.