Thermal Expansion Calculator

Thermal Expansion Calculator

This calculator helps you determine how much a material expands or contracts when subjected to temperature changes. The change in length depends on the material’s coefficient of thermal expansion, the original length of the object, and the temperature change.

Formula:

\[ \Delta L = \alpha \cdot L_0 \cdot \Delta T \] Where:

• \( \Delta L \) = change in length (meters or inches)
• \( \alpha \) = coefficient of thermal expansion (per degree Celsius or Fahrenheit)
• \( L_0 \) = original length (meters or inches)
• \( \Delta T \) = change in temperature (Celsius or Fahrenheit)

Original Length (L₀): MetersInches

Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α):

Temperature Change (ΔT): Celsius (°C)Fahrenheit (°F)

Calculate Expansion

Result:

Key Features of the Formula

• Linear Expansion: The formula calculates linear expansion (change in length) of a material based on temperature changes.
• Material Dependent: The coefficient of thermal expansion varies by material. Different materials expand at different rates for the same temperature change.
• Unit Flexibility: You can input the original length in either meters or inches, and select the temperature change in either Celsius or Fahrenheit.
• Application in Construction and Engineering: Thermal expansion is important in fields like construction, engineering, and manufacturing, where materials are subjected to varying temperatures.