\[\Delta L=\alpha L_0\Delta T\]
Variables
dL[ΔL]change in length (m)
alpha[α]linear thermal expansion coefficient (1/K)
L0original length (m)
dT[ΔT]temperature change (K)
Description
What is this formula?
The thermal expansion formula calculates the change in length of a material caused by a temperature change. Most solids expand when heated and contract when cooled.
When to use it
Use this formula when determining dimensional changes in structures, pipes, rails, bridges, mechanical components, and other materials subjected to temperature variations.
Example
Given:
L0 = 5.0 m
alpha = 12×10^-6 1/K
ΔT = 50 K
Formula:
ΔL = αL0ΔT
Substitution:
ΔL = 12×10^-6 × 5.0 × 50
Result:
ΔL = 0.003 m = 3 mm
Applications
Structural engineering, piping systems, railway tracks, bridge design, manufacturing, precision instruments, and thermal stress analysis.