About Thermal Expansion Calculator (Formula)
The Thermal Expansion Calculator is a tool used to estimate the change in dimensions or volume of a material due to changes in temperature. It aids in understanding thermal expansion behavior in engineering and construction applications. The formula for calculating thermal expansion involves considering the coefficient of thermal expansion, the original dimensions, and the temperature change.
Formula for calculating linear thermal expansion:
ΔL = α * L * ΔT
In this formula, “ΔL” represents the change in length, “α” is the coefficient of linear thermal expansion, “L” is the original length of the material, and “ΔT” is the change in temperature.
Formula for calculating volumetric thermal expansion:
ΔV = β * V * ΔT
In this formula, “ΔV” represents the change in volume, “β” is the coefficient of volumetric thermal expansion, “V” is the original volume of the material, and “ΔT” is the change in temperature.
The coefficients of thermal expansion vary for different materials and are typically provided in engineering reference materials. The linear coefficient of thermal expansion represents the fractional change in length per unit temperature change, while the volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion represents the fractional change in volume per unit temperature change.
The Thermal Expansion Calculator simplifies the process of predicting dimensional changes in materials due to temperature variations, aiding engineers, architects, and material scientists in designing structures and systems that can accommodate thermal expansion effects. By inputting material properties and temperature changes, the calculator quickly provides the estimated dimensional changes, helping users make informed decisions about material selection and structural design to avoid potential issues caused by thermal expansion.