Thermal Linear Expansion Calculator
Calculate how much a rod, rail or pipe lengthens with temperature.
Step-by-step working
- α = 12 × 10⁻⁶ /K
- ΔL = α L₀ ΔT = 1.2000e-5 × 10 × 40 = 0.0048 m
Mathematical Formula
Overview & Explanation
Most solids expand linearly with temperature over moderate ranges.
How It Works
- Pick α.
- Multiply by length and ΔT.
Practical Applications
- Expansion joints.
- Pipe runs.
Example 1: 10 m steel, +40 K
4.8 mm.
Inputs
Material (α, ×10⁻⁶/K): Steel – 12 · Original length (m): 10 · Temperature change (K): 40
Step 1
α = 12 × 10⁻⁶ /K
Step 2
ΔL = α L₀ ΔT = 1.2000e-5 × 10 × 40 = 0.0048 m
Change in length
Result
Example 2: 50 m aluminium, +30 K
Long run.
Inputs
Material (α, ×10⁻⁶/K): Aluminium – 23 · Original length (m): 50 · Temperature change (K): 30
Step 1
α = 23 × 10⁻⁶ /K
Step 2
ΔL = α L₀ ΔT = 2.3000e-5 × 50 × 30 = 0.0345 m
Change in length
Result
How it's calculated & sources
ΔL = α L₀ ΔT; final length L = L₀ + ΔL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Volume expansion?
Negative ΔT?
Are α values exact?
Related Calculators
Ohm's Law and Power Calculator
Calculate voltage, current, resistance, and electrical power with instant unit conversions.
Thermal Stress Calculator
Calculate internal stress induced by thermal expansion restriction (σ = E α ΔT).
Specific Heat Calculator (Q = mcΔT)
Calculate heat energy needed to change a material’s temperature.
Volume Expansion Calculator
Calculate volumetric expansion of liquids or solids.