Analytical closed-form expressions for the structural response of helical constructions to thermal loads

In the current work, we present an analytical model for the characterization of the mechanical response of helical constructions to thermal loads. In particular, we elaborate closed-form expressions to compute the forces and moments induced by homogeneous and non-homogeneous temperature fields. We numerically verify the validity of the formulas over a wide range of geometric configurations, while we apply them to evaluate the mechanical response of two single layer cable configurations upon combined axial and thermal strains. Finally, we demarcate the range of angles for which the thermal structural response to homogeneous and non-homogeneous temperature fields considerably differs.