The experimental technique for observing the temperatures due to the coupled thermoelastic effect

A system is described which permits routine and easy measurement of the small temperature changes which occur when a material (metal) is deformed in the linearly elastic range. The temperature change produced by a 30-lb/in2 increase in stress in aluminum can be measured. Data are reported for long thin wires and cantilever beams made of aluminum. There is generally excellent agreement with the predictions of linear thermoelasticity which is regarded as demonstrating the accuracy of the method. After 11 cycles of free vibration, the cantilever beam surface temperature leads the strain in time. There is also conduction to the neutral axis region in the case of the beam.