Science & engineering
Linear thermal expansion
Estimate a length change using a supplied expansion coefficient.
A clear answer. Here’s how.
First-order length change ΔL = αLΔT, converting the coefficient from µm/(m·K) to 1/K. Final length = L+ΔL. Assumes a constant coefficient and a suitable temperature range; does not model constraints, stress or phase changes.
See a worked example
Worked example
A fixed demonstration, separate from the values you enter above.
- Original length (m)
- 2
- Linear coefficient (µm/m·K)
- 12
- Temperature change (K or °C difference)
- 50
Example result
- Length change (m)
- 0.0012
- Length change (mm)
- 1.2
- Estimated final length (m)
- 2.0012