Temperature extremes significantly affect screw behavior. Both high and low temperatures can alter material properties, preload levels, and joint stability.
When screws and joint materials expand at different rates, thermal stresses develop. This can lead to preload loss, loosening, or even fracture.
At elevated temperatures, screws may experience creep or stress relaxation, causing permanent deformation and reduced clamping force.
Some materials become brittle at low temperatures, increasing the likelihood of sudden fracture under impact or shock loading.
Selecting materials with appropriate thermal properties and accounting for temperature cycles improves long-term reliability.