Thermoelasticity

Thermoelasticity is the study of how materials respond to changes in temperature and mechanical stress. When a material heats up or cools down, it expands or contracts, which can affect its shape and internal stresses. Conversely, when a material is stressed (like being stretched or compressed), it may generate heat due to friction or deformation. Thermoelasticity combines these two effects, helping engineers and scientists understand how structures behave in real-life conditions, such as bridges, buildings, and machinery, where temperature and forces are constantly changing.