Thermal Expansion Calculator
Calculate linear thermal expansion (change in length) from temperature change and coefficient.
Change in Length (ΔL)
Final Length (L)
Calculation Details
Understanding Thermal Expansion
Most materials expand when heated and contract when cooled. Linear thermal expansion describes how the length of a solid object changes in response to a change in temperature. The change in length is proportional to the original length, the temperature change, and a material property called the coefficient of linear expansion (α).
Key Formulas
- ΔL = α × L₀ × ΔT — Change in length
- L = L₀ + ΔL — Final length after temperature change
- ΔT = T_final − T_initial — Temperature change
Common Coefficients of Linear Expansion
Metals
- • Aluminum: 2.3 × 10⁻⁵ /°C
- • Steel: 1.2 × 10⁻⁵ /°C
- • Copper: 1.7 × 10⁻⁵ /°C
- • Iron: 1.18 × 10⁻⁵ /°C
Other Materials
- • Glass (ordinary): 0.9 × 10⁻⁵ /°C
- • Glass (Pyrex): 0.33 × 10⁻⁵ /°C
- • Concrete: 1.2 × 10⁻⁵ /°C
- • Brick: 0.55 × 10⁻⁵ /°C
References
The formulas and physical constants used in this calculator are based on established physics principles and verified sources:
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Note: This calculator models linear thermal expansion of isotropic solids assuming a constant coefficient of expansion over the temperature range. Real materials may exhibit a temperature-dependent coefficient, anisotropic behavior, or phase changes. Results are approximate and should be verified for critical engineering applications.