Expansão térmica
- Created by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
- Reviewed by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
Last updated: Apr 18, 2026
Formula
ΔL = α·L·ΔT
About this calculator
The thermal expansion calculator helps predict how a material's length changes due to temperature variations. It uses the formula ΔL = α·L·ΔT, where ΔL is the linear expansion, α is the material's thermal expansion coefficient, L is the initial length, and ΔT is the temperature difference. This calculation is vital for engineering, architecture, and manufacturing projects requiring dimensional stability under thermal conditions.
To use the calculator, input the material's original length, its thermal expansion coefficient (available in material-specific tables), and the temperature change. The result will show how much the material expands or contracts. Ensure all units are compatible (e.g., meters and Celsius) to avoid errors in the calculation.
Common applications include sizing metal structures, analyzing expansion joints in roads, and selecting materials for equipment exposed to extreme temperatures. Special care is needed for composite or anisotropic materials, as their thermal behavior may vary in different directions.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the thermal expansion coefficient vary between materials?
Each material has a unique atomic structure that affects how its atoms move when absorbing heat. Metals typically have higher coefficients than ceramics or polymers.
How to convert temperature units for the formula?
Ensure the temperature difference (ΔT) is in Kelvin or Celsius, as absolute differences in these scales are equivalent.
Does a negative result mean contraction?
Yes. If the final temperature is lower than the initial (cooling), ΔT will be negative, resulting in material contraction.
Can I use this calculator for non-metallic materials?
Yes, as long as you have the specific thermal expansion coefficient for the desired material, such as wood, plastic, or glass.