Thermal Expansion Calculator
Calculate linear thermal expansion using DeltaL = alpha * L0 * DeltaT.
Change in Length
0.004800 m
Change in Length vs Coefficient of Linear Expansion
Formula
## Thermal Expansion Most materials expand when heated. Linear thermal expansion predicts the change in length. ### Formula **DeltaL = alpha * L_0 * DeltaT** where alpha is the coefficient of linear expansion, L_0 is the original length, and DeltaT is the temperature change.
Exemplo Resolvido
A 10 m steel beam (alpha = 12e-6 /°C) heated by 40°C.
- 01DeltaL = alpha * L0 * DeltaT
- 02DeltaL = 12e-6 * 10 * 40
- 03DeltaL = 0.0048 m = 4.8 mm
Perguntas Frequentes
Why do bridges have expansion joints?
Steel and concrete expand and contract with temperature changes. Expansion joints allow this movement to prevent structural damage.
What is the coefficient of expansion for common materials?
Steel: ~12e-6, aluminum: ~23e-6, copper: ~17e-6, glass: ~9e-6, concrete: ~12e-6 (all in 1/°C).
Is there also volumetric expansion?
Yes. For isotropic materials, the volumetric coefficient is approximately three times the linear coefficient: beta ≈ 3*alpha.
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