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 0 oC to 50 oC. The stress introduced in the pipe can be calculated as
σ = (11.7×10-6 m/moC) (203×109 N/m2) ((50 oC) - (0 oC))
= 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.
Linear Thermal Expansion Coefficients of Materials
Linear thermal expansion coefficients of common materials, including metals, plastics, and composites.
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 Expansion Loops - Design and Calculation
Steel pipe expansion loops and their importance in managing thermal expansion, and how to design and size them effectively. Key considerations, calculations, and installation tips to prevent stress and damage in piping systems.
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 of Steam Pipes - (inches)
Expansion of steam pipes heated from room temperature to operation temperature.