Thermal Expansion Estimator
Calculate thermal expansion of materials based on temperature changes. Essential tool for construction, engineering, and material science applications.
Understanding Thermal Expansion
Thermal expansion is the tendency of materials to change dimensions in response to temperature changes. This calculator helps predict dimensional changes for engineering and construction applications.
Thermal Expansion Formula
The linear thermal expansion is calculated using the fundamental equation that relates material properties to temperature change.
ΔL = α × L₀ × ΔT
Material Coefficients
Different materials have different thermal expansion coefficients, which determine how much they expand or contract per degree of temperature change.
Common coefficients: Steel (12×10⁻⁶/°C), Aluminum (23×10⁻⁶/°C), Copper (17×10⁻⁶/°C), Concrete (10×10⁻⁶/°C)
Common Applications
Construction & Architecture
Calculate expansion joints, bridge design, building materials, and structural accommodations for temperature variations.
Engineering Applications
Design precision instruments, mechanical systems, pipelines, and components that must maintain tolerances across temperature ranges.