A method of convergence for finite difference thermal stress computation in axially symmetrical bodies

Abstract

The most general axially symmetrical thermal load is one in which a transient temperature distribution, varying axially and radially, is applied to an axially symmetrical system with an irregular axial boundary. When the thermal stress equations are applied to such a system, using the conventional Gauss-Siedel or Liebmann method, severe oscillation has been experienced making convergence impossible to achieve. The authors present in this paper a method which not only converts a diverging solution but also yields a rapid rate of convergence. This method has been successfully applied to the problem of a steam turbine rotor.