Thermal Expansion Calculator
Calculate linear thermal expansion, thermal strain, and restrained thermal stress for engineering materials subjected to temperature changes.
Inputs
in
°F
per °F
Results
Length Change (ΔL)
0.07 in
Restrained Thermal Stress
18,850 psi
Thermal Strain (ε)0 in/in
New Length100.07 in
Restrained Thermal Force18,850 lb
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the Original Length in inches at the reference (installation) temperature.
- Enter the Temperature Change (ΔT) in °F — positive for heating, negative for cooling.
- Set the Expansion Coefficient (α) for your material: steel ≈ 6.5×10⁻⁶, aluminum ≈ 12.8×10⁻⁶, copper ≈ 9.3×10⁻⁶ per °F.
- For restrained thermal stress calculations, enter the Cross-Sectional Area in in² and Elastic Modulus (E) in psi (steel ≈ 29×10⁶ psi).
- Read the Length Change (ΔL) in inches to determine required expansion loop, joint, or gap size.
- Check Restrained Thermal Stress (psi) and Thermal Force (lb) if the member is anchored — compare to the material allowable stress.
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