THERMAL EXPANSION CALCULATOR
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Thermal expansion is normally calculated in two ways, as a linear (single dimension) or volumetric (3 dimensional) measurement. Depending on the case, each method is useful, as finding out how a beam would extend due to heat would only require a linear method, however when trying to find out how a body of liquid expands with temperature, volumetric might be best.
Linear Thermal Expansion CalculatorLinear Thermal Expansion is calculated using the following formula:
Where:
L = Initial Length ΔL = The change in Length αL = Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion ΔT = Change in temperature Linear thermal expansion is the most common calculation used to estimate the expansion caused by a change in temperature. The Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion is commonly displayed as a product of a length/length temperature unit. as this is the case, the unit of length does not matter provided both units of length are the same. Once you have your coefficient, you need the length of the expansion to be measured, and the temperature range for the scenario, put it all into the calculator and go!
Volumetric Thermal Expansion CalculatorVolumetric Thermal Expansion is calculated using the following formula:
Where:
V = Initial Volume ΔV = The change in Volume αV = Coefficient of Volumetric Thermal Expansion Volumetric Thermal Expansion is calculated in a very similar fashion to Linear expansion, only with measurements of volume, not length! Coefficients of Volumetric Expansion are proportional to Linear coefficients, being triple the value of linear expansion, so its easy to convert from one to the other if you cant find the correct coefficient.
Area Thermal ExpansionArea Thermal Expansion is calculated using the following formula:
Where:
A = Initial Area ΔA = The change in Area αA = Coefficient of Area Thermal Expansion As with linear it Area Expansion is calculated the same way as above, normally double that of linear expansion.
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Table Of Thermal Expansion Coefficients
| Thermal Expansion of Common Materials | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) | Reference | |
| Linear Expansion (X10^-6 K^-1) |
Volume Expansion (X10^-6 K^-1) |
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| Low Carbon Steel | 10.1 - 14.9 | 30.3 - 44.7 | Matweb |
| High Carbon Steel | 9.9 - 14.8 | 29.7 - 44.4 | Matweb |
| Stainless Steel (316) | 18.5 | 55.5 | Matweb |
| Aluminium (pure) | 23.6 | 70.8 | Chicago University |
| Water (293 Kelvin) | 69 | 207 | efunda |
| Water (277 Kelvin) | 0 | 0 | University of Oregon |
| Copper | 16.4 | 49.2 | Matweb |
| Brass | 18 - 26 | 54 - 78 | Matweb |
| ABS | 60 - 100 | 180 - 300 | Roechling |
Important Notes for Thermal Expansion Calculations!
Its important to remember when using thermal expansion coefficients, figures quoted are normally at 20°C, its important to know the coefficients vary with temperature! for example, thermal expansion of water is a curve, with centre at approximately 4°C. At this point, the thermal expansion is zero, however either side the expansion coefficient increases. In most cases, the difference is very small, but worth checking, especially near the melting point of the material.