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Thermal
Free Linear Thermal Expansion
Enter values in the stated units. Example inputs are provided to help you explore the method.
Results
Your results will appear here after calculation. Changing an input clears the previous result.
Method & assumptions
- ΔL = αL₀ΔT; final length = L₀ + ΔL. Cooling or a negative expansion coefficient can produce contraction.
- Example: 10 m, α = 0.000012/K and 50 K gives 0.006 m expansion. The coefficient is illustrative.
- Assumes uniform temperature and free expansion with a suitable mean coefficient over the temperature interval. It does not calculate restraint forces, thermal stress, buckling or joint capacity.
- Source: https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-2/pages/1-3-thermal-expansion