emperature effects on plate structures

huangyhg

temperature effects on plate structures?
i am not familiar at all with the effects of temperature on plate structures and could really use guidance on the topic. are there any easily attainable references out there with just enough information that i need to perform a competent analysis of temperature effects?
i am using staad pro 2007, under temperature loads i have two boxes:
"temperature" & "strain"
under temperature, there is "temperature change for axial elongation" & "temperature differential from top to bottom" & "temperature differential from side to side"
under strain, there is "initial axial elongation or shrinkage"
i am analyzing a tank that will contain very hot fluids, but this structure will be outdoors in an area where it can get to -40c. what information will i need to input into the software and what exactly does each of the above option in the software mean? will i need to input something to all of the above options or to some, if so, which ones? don't forget to reference me to a journal that explains temperature effects!
clansman
i am not familiar with staad, but the temperature "loadings" you mentioned above apply only to statically indeterminate structures.
temp. change for axial elongation: this is a uniform temperature gradient throughout the length of the member. if the member is heated, it will elongate according to its thermal expansion coefficient. if this axial elongation is restrained (as in a statically indeterminate structure) stresses will be induced.
temp. differential from top to bot" similar to above, but instead of axial restraint, you have rotational restraint. if the bottom of a beam is hotter than the top of a beam, the bottom will elongate and the top (comparatively) will shrink. this causes bending in the member. if the ends are free to rotate, you won't see any effects; however, if the ends are restrained against rotation, this will induce a moment into your   
what kind of tank is this?
if it falls under the scope of api-650, check app. m.