A generalized method for photoelastic studies of transient thermal stresses

This paper describes the apparatus and experimental method which was developed for generalized studies of transient thermal stresses in photoelastic models of many different shapes under a variety of steady-state or transient temperature conditions. It explains how the desired temperature gradients are established in the models and how rapidly changing temperature and stress profiles are monitored during a test. The experimental method is used to study the stresses in a three-dimensional photothermoelastic model subjected to three different temperature sequences. These are: symmetrical cooling of both faces of a thick plate initially at a uniform temperature; heating of one face only of a thick plate initially at a uniform temperature; and heating of only the cold face of a thick plate with an initial linear temperature gradient through its thickness. The last sequence generated temperature profiles which relate to conditions where internal heating is present. The resultant temperature and stress histories for each case are presented graphically and similarity scales are applied to give correct time-stress relations for a typical steel prototype. The magnitude and time of occurrence of the peak stresses on the boundary, as well as in the interior of the plate are found. These stresses are very high and occur comparatively late in each test, at a time when the temperature of the central plane has already started to respond to the changing conditions at the surface. The model was of the sandwich-type construction used by previous investigators, which has a built-in polariscope to isolate a transverse plane for viewing.