ΔL = α × L₀ × ΔT α = coefficient of linear expansion (μm/m°C)
10m steel pipe, 20°C to 80°C: ΔL = 11.7×10⁻⁶ × 10 × 60 = 7.02 mm
Frequently Asked Questions
Thermal expansion causes pipes, beams and components to change size with temperature. Without expansion joints, this causes buckling in pipelines or cracking in bridges.
Aluminium expands most among common metals (α=23.1 μm/m°C), about twice as much as steel. This affects design of aluminium engine parts paired with steel components.