Thermomechanics: Non-isothermal Mechanics

Abstract

The coupling between the thermal and mechanical fields leads to one of the most common types of multiphysics: thermomechanics. In this chapter, basic concepts in thermomechanics will be introduced first according to the direction of the coupling. The mathematical descriptions of two different types of couplings in thermomechanics will be laid out: thermal expansion/stress as the coupling from the thermal field to the mechanical field and heat generated by the mechanical processes as the coupling from the mechanical field to the thermal field. After that, a key material property in the thermomechanical field, i.e., thermal expansion coefficient, will be introduced. A practice problem modified from the two relevant monolithic physical fields, i.e., thermal and mechanical fields, will be provided in the end.