Coefficient Of Moisture Expansion Calculator

Reviewed By: Patrick Myers (BSME)

Enter the coefficient of moisture expansion, change in length, original length, and change in moisture content into the calculator to determine the missing variable.

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Coefficient of Moisture Expansion Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the coefficient of moisture expansion for a given change in length, original length, and change in moisture content.

CME = ΔL / (L₀ * ΔM)

Variables:

CME is the coefficient of moisture expansion
ΔL is the change in length
L₀ is the original length
ΔM is the change in moisture content

To calculate the coefficient of moisture expansion, divide the change in length by the product of the original length and the change in moisture content.

What is the Coefficient of Moisture Expansion?

The coefficient of moisture expansion (CME) is a measure of how much a material expands or contracts when its moisture content changes. This property is particularly important in materials like wood, polymers, and composites, where changes in moisture can significantly affect dimensions and structural integrity. The CME is typically expressed as a ratio of the change in length per unit length per unit change in moisture content.

How to Calculate Coefficient of Moisture Expansion?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Coefficient of Moisture Expansion.

First, measure the original length (L₀) of the material.
Next, measure the change in length (ΔL) after the material has undergone a change in moisture content.
Next, measure the change in moisture content (ΔM) of the material.
Finally, calculate the coefficient of moisture expansion using the formula CME = ΔL / (L₀ * ΔM).
After inserting the values and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem :

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Original length (L₀) = 100 mm

Change in length (ΔL) = 2 mm

Change in moisture content (ΔM) = 0.05