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Thermal Expansion Calculator

Science & Engineering

dL=a*L*dT · material alpha table

Quick Answer

Thermal Expansion Calculator: dL=a*L*dT · material alpha table. Thermal Expansion Calculator uses standard science & engineering formulas to compute accurate results instantly.

36.000 mm
expansion of a 100 m member over 30°C
Linear strain0.0360%
Volume change (β≈3α)0.1080%

Calculation steps

  1. 1ΔL = α·L·ΔT = 1.2e-5 × 100 × 30 = 36.000 mm
  2. 2Material: Steel (α = 12.0×10⁻⁶/K)

Material α table (×10⁻⁶/K)

Aluminum231m × 50°C → 1.15mm
Copper171m × 50°C → 0.85mm
Brass191m × 50°C → 0.95mm
Steel121m × 50°C → 0.60mm
Stainless steel171m × 50°C → 0.85mm
Iron121m × 50°C → 0.60mm
Concrete121m × 50°C → 0.60mm
Glass91m × 50°C → 0.45mm
PVC501m × 50°C → 2.50mm
Linear expansion ΔL = α·L·ΔT is why bridges have expansion joints, railway tracks leave gaps, and pipelines use U-bends. A 100 m steel bridge deck can grow 60 mm between winter and summer (ΔT=50°C). Volume expansion uses β ≈ 3α for isotropic solids; liquids are much larger (water β ≈ 210×10⁻⁶/K), which is why a full water heater needs an expansion tank. Bimetallic strips exploit differential expansion of two bonded metals for thermostats.

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How to Use

  1. Enter known quantities: fill values and confirm units in the Thermal Expansion Calculator.
  2. Instant solution: unknowns solve live with the formula shown transparently.
  3. Use constant/material tables: standard physical constants and material data are listed on this page.
  4. Compare conditions: change inputs to compare scenarios.

Key Points

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  • Results come with formulas and reference tables so you can verify every number.

Formula & How It Works

Thermal Expansion Calculator formula

Thermal Expansion Calculator uses standard science & engineering formulas to compute accurate results instantly.

FAQ

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Open the page and fill in the input fields — results update automatically. dL=a*L*dT · material alpha table.
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Yes. Standard formulas and conversion factors are used and verified.
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Source & Updates

Based on CODATA recommended constants and standard physics formulas. Last updated: 2025-07

Last updated:

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