Intro to Thermal Strain — Lesson 1

When the metal lid of a glass bottle gets stuck, an easy way to loosen the lid is by running hot water over it. Hot water causes thermal expansion of the metal lid but not the glass bottle, so the lid comes off easily.

Did you ever notice the zigzag gaps on bridges or roads? Have you wondered about their purpose? They are not actually cracks. Engineers put them in structures on purpose.

Thermal conditions, natural or man-made, affect the performance of devices in our daily life. Engineers need to consider thermal conditions in all types of industries.

Lecture

In this lesson, we introduce thermal condition and thermal deformation.

Alternate video link.

Handout

Here are the accompanying handout slides for this lesson.