Materials & Civil
Intermediate

Linear Thermal Expansion

Change in length due to temperature change.

Formula

ΔL=αL0ΔT\Delta L = \alpha L_0 \Delta T

Variables

\alphaExpansion coefficient
L_0Original length
\Delta TTemp change

Example

Bridges need expansion joints for this

Did You Know?

Expansion joints prevent buckling in bridges and rails.

materialsthermal