Pipes and Tubes - Temperature Expansion

Calculate the temperature-induced expansion of pipes based on the linear expansion coefficient, pipe length, and temperature difference using the formula: dl = α × Lo × dt

Calculator

Inputs

Pipe Length (Lo) (ft)

Initial Temperature (°F)

Final Temperature (°F)

Linear Expansion Coefficient (α) (in/in°F)

Length Unit

Results

Temperature Difference (dt)-- °F

Pipe Length in Inches-- inches

Thermal Expansion (dl)-- inches

Material	32-212°F	32-400°F	32-600°F	32-750°F	32-900°F	32-1100°F	32-1300°F
Alloy Steel (1% Cr, 1/2% Mo)	8	8.4	8.8	9.2	9.6	9.8
Mild Steel (0.1-0.2% C)	7.8	8.3	8.7	9	9.5	9.7
Stainless Steel (18% Cr, 8% Ni)	11.1	11.5	11.8	12.1	12.4	12.6	12.8

Thermal Expansion Formula

dl = α × Lo × dt

Where:

dl = expansion (m, inches)
Lo = length of pipe (m, inches)
dt = temperature difference (°C, °F)
α = linear expansion coefficient (m/m°K, in/in°F)

Example

An alloy steel pipe with length 100 feet is heated from 32 to 212°F. The expansion coefficient is 8×10⁻⁶ (in/in°F).

Calculation: dl = (8×10⁻⁶ in/in°F) × (100 ft × 12 in/ft) × (212°F - 32°F) = 1.728 inches