thermal stresses

Thermal stresses occur when materials experience temperature changes that cause them to expand or contract. Since different parts of a material or objects made of different materials may expand at different rates, this can create internal forces or stresses. For example, a metal bridge expanding in summer and contracting in winter can develop stress that may lead to deformation or cracks if not properly designed. These stresses happen because the material's attempt to change size is restrained by other parts or by itself, resulting in internal pressure that can compromise structural integrity over time.