Enter the thermal expansion coefficient, length, and change in temperature into the calculator to determine the change in length from thermal expansion.
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Thermal Expansion Formula
The following formula describes the relationship of thermal expansion.
dL = a * L * dT
- Where dL is the change in length
- a is the coefficient of thermal expansion
- L is the original length
- dT is the change in temperature.
To calculate the thermal expansion, multiply the coefficient of thermal expansion by the original length and change in temperature.
Thermal Expansion Definition
Thermal expansion is defined as the total increase in length or dimension due to an increase in the temperature of the material.
Thermal Expansion Formula
How to calculate thermal expansion.
- First, determine the coefficient of thermal expansion.
This can be looked up on a table based on the material or calculated through an experiment.
- Next, measure the original length.
Determine the original length or dimension of the object.
- Next, measure the change in temperature.
Calculate or measure the change in temperature.
- Finally, calculate the change in length.
Using the formula for thermal expansion, calculate the change in length.
FAQ
What materials have the highest coefficient of thermal expansion?Materials with high coefficients of thermal expansion include plastics, aluminum, and copper. These materials expand more for a given increase in temperature compared to materials with lower coefficients.
How does thermal expansion affect everyday objects?Thermal expansion can cause everyday objects to expand and contract with changes in temperature. This can lead to issues like cracks in roads or bridges, leaking pipes, and fitting problems in mechanical parts.
Can thermal expansion be prevented or reduced?While thermal expansion cannot be completely prevented, it can be reduced through material selection, design considerations to allow for expansion, and the use of expansion joints in structures to accommodate the change in size.
