Thermal Expansion Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the thermal expansion calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Change in Length
expansion = alpha * original_length * delta_tChange in Length (mm)
expansion_mm = alpha * original_length * delta_t * 1000Final Length
final_length = original_length + alpha * original_length * delta_tVariables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
alpha | Coefficient of Linear Expansion(1/°C) | 0.000012 |
original_length | Original Length(m) | 10 |
delta_t | Temperature Change(°C) | 40 |
How It Works
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.
Worked Example
A 10 m steel beam (alpha = 12e-6 /°C) heated by 40°C.
alpha = 0.000012original_length = 10delta_t = 40
- 01DeltaL = alpha * L0 * DeltaT
- 02DeltaL = 12e-6 * 10 * 40
- 03DeltaL = 0.0048 m = 4.8 mm
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Thermal Expansion Calculator