Calculate the change in length, area, or volume of a material as its temperature changes.
Input Parameters
m
/°C
K / °C
Calculation Results
Enter initial values and coefficient
Quick Reference
αLinear Expansion Coeff
βVolume Expansion Coeff (≈ 3α)
ΔTTemperature Change
Overview
Most materials expand when heated and contract when cooled. Thermal expansion is the tendency of matter to change its shape, area, volume, and density in response to a change in temperature.
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Pro Tips
Linear expansion coefficient (α) for steel is ~12 x 10^-6 /°C.
Aluminum expansion coefficient is ~23 x 10^-6 /°C.
Volume expansion coefficient (β) is approximately 3 times the linear coefficient (3α).
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Fun Facts
"The Eiffel Tower can be up to 15 centimeters taller on a hot summer day than on a cold winter day."
"Bridges have expansion joints to prevent them from buckling due to temperature changes."
"Water is unusual: it contracts as it cools to 4°C, then expands as it approaches 0°C."
