A basic consideration in the design for aerodynamic heating is the fact that structures, which might otherwise be analyzed for uniform end-loading conditions, are subject to nonlinear stress patterns due to the temperature gradients in the structure.
The significance of such nonlinear stress systems, when combined with external loading, on the inelastic behavior and buckling characteristics of structures is presented. The effect of residual stresses, resulting from inelastic behavior under nonlinear stress systems, on subsequent structural behavior is considered.
Experimental verification* of the basic analytical procedures for predicting inelastic tensile behavior and critical buckling load is shown.