Elasticity and Thermal Stress Theorems

This course covers the fundamental principles and theorems of elasticity and thermal stress. It begins with an exploration of the Uniqueness theorem, Principle of Superposition, Method of Virtual Work, and Minimum Potential Energy Principle. The course then delves into the Castigliano's theorem and Maxwell-Betti Reciprocal theorem, explaining their application in determining stress distribution in a body subjected to specific loading. For instance, the course uses the example of a power plant component subjected to high temperatures to illustrate the calculation of thermal stress distribution. It also discusses the complementary energy principle and its relation to strain energy. The course concludes with the application of these principles in solving statically indeterminate problems and calculating thermal stresses in cylindrical vessels with varying temperature in the radial direction.