AmesWeb

LINEAR THERMAL EXPANSION CALCULATOR

Use this linear thermal expansion calculator to compute the change in length of an unrestrained bar subjected to a uniform temperature change. It uses the standard engineering equation:

ΔL = α · L · ΔT

Need the right thermal expansion coefficient (α) for your material? Use the reference tables below (these are the “authority” pages for coefficients):

Metals CTE overview · Aluminum · Steel · Copper · Titanium · Iron & cast iron

Calculator

Enter L, α, and the initial/final temperature. The output gives ΔL, final length, ΔT, and thermal strain.

Linear Thermal Expansion Calculator
INPUT PARAMETERS
Parameter Value
Original Length [L]
Thermal Expansion Coefficient [α]
Initial Temperature [t0]
Final Temperature [t1]



OUTPUT PARAMETERS
Parameter Value
Change in Length [δT] --- ---
Final Length [L + δT] ---
Temperature Change [ΔT] --- ---
Thermal Strain [εT] --- ---

Note: Use dot "." as decimal separator.

 


Supplements

Link Usage
Material Properties Material property tables, including thermal expansion coefficients.
Thermal Stress in a Bar Calculates stress of a restrained bar when temperature is uniformly changed.
Thermal Stress in a Uniform Plate Calculates stress of a restrained plate when temperature is uniformly changed.

Equations used by this calculator


Parameter Equation
Thermal Deformation [δT] δT = (ΔT) α L
Thermal Strain [εT] εT = α (ΔT)

Reference