Thermal Expansion Converter
Convert coefficients of linear thermal expansion between different units (e.g., 1/°C, ppm/°F, 1/K).
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Understanding Thermal Expansion
The coefficient of linear thermal expansion (α) describes how the size of an object changes with a change in temperature. Specifically, it is the fractional change in length per degree of temperature change.
Formula: ΔL = α × L₀ × ΔT, where ΔL is the change in length, L₀ is the original length, and ΔT is the change in temperature.
The SI unit for the coefficient of linear thermal expansion is "per Kelvin" (1/K) or "per degree Celsius" (1/°C), as a 1K temperature interval is equal to a 1°C interval.
| Material | Coefficient (10-6/°C or ppm/°C) | Coefficient (10-6/°F or ppm/°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 23.1 | 12.8 |
| Copper | 16.5 | 9.2 |
| Steel (Carbon) | 10.8 - 12.0 | 6.0 - 6.7 |
| Glass (Common) | 9.0 | 5.0 |
| Concrete | 12.0 | 6.7 |
| Quartz (Fused) | 0.55 | 0.31 |