Thermal Expansion

The tendency of matter to change its shape, area, and volume in response to a change in temperature. Thermal expansion effects should always be considered in the design of high-temperature rotating machinery, piping, and mechanical seals applications. The change in length (ΔL) of a metal component is given by the following formula:

ΔL = α × L × ΔT

where α is the coefficient of thermal expansion; L is the length of the component; and ΔT is the change in temperature.

See also Coefficient Of Thermal Expansion.