Thermal Expansion
Free length change with temperature and the thermal stress in a member whose ends are fully restrained — for pipelines, rails and hot-running machine parts.
Length change ΔL7.2mm
- Strain ε
- 720 µm/m
- Stress if fully restrained
- 151.2 MPa (compression)
- Temperature change ΔT
- 60 K
- Restrained stress / yield = 64 %
METHOD
How it is calculated
ΔL = α · L₀ · ΔT σ = E · α · ΔT (fully restrained)
ASSUMPTIONS & NOTES
- A restrained member goes into compression when heated and tension when cooled.
- Long pipelines use expansion joints or loops.
- α values come from the material list on the reference page.
Results are for preliminary design and checking; base the final design on the governing standard and safety factors.
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