GATE 2017 ME (ME2) – Question 20
A steel bar is held between fixed supports as shown. Its temperature increases by 100°C. Given $\alpha=11\times10^{-6}$/°C and E = 200 GPa, the induced thermal-stress magnitude is ______ MPa.
Practise this question in The GATE Grind →
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: 218 to 222
Explanation
Zero total axial strain requires σ/E+αΔT=0. The stress is compressive, with magnitude EαΔT=200000·11×10⁻⁶·100=**220MPa**. An unrestrained bar would expand rather than develop this stress.