Behavior of materials under conditions of thermal stress

TLDR

Thermal‑shock resistance of ductile materials depends on complex metallurgical variables affecting strength and ductility, and simulating operating conditions is crucial for accurate material rating. This review surveys the behavior of brittle and ductile materials under thermal stress and thermal shock. The authors derive a simple formula for brittle materials, discuss key metallurgical variables for ductile materials, and outline practical methods to mitigate thermal stress and shock.

Abstract

A review is presented of available information on the behavior of brittle and ductile materials under conditions of thermal stress and thermal shock. For brittle materials, a simple formula relating physical properties to thermal-shock resistance is derived and used to determine the relative significance of two indices currently in use for rating materials. For ductile materials, thermal-shock resistance depends upon the complex interrelation among several metallurgical variables which seriously affect strength and ductility. These variables are briefly discussed and illustrated from literature sources. The importance of simulating operating conditions in tests for rating materials is especially to be emphasized because of the importance of testing conditions in metallurgy. A number of practical methods that have been used to minimize the deleterious effects of thermal stress and thermal shock are outlined.