Restricted Thermal Expansion - Force and Stress

Calculator for thermal stress and axial force in restricted objects due to temperature changes. Combines thermal expansion principles with material elasticity to compute resulting stresses and forces.

Calculator

Inputs

Length of restricted object (m (or inches))

Cross-sectional Area (m² (or in²))

Temperature Difference (°C (or °F))

Young's Modulus (GPa (or 10⁹ psi))

Expansion Coefficient (10⁻⁶ m/mK (or in/in°F))

Results

Thermal Stress (σdt)-- MPa (or psi)

Elongation (Unrestricted)-- m (or inches)

Strain (ε)-- dimensionless

Axial Force (F)-- kN (or kips)

Material	Young's Modulus (GPa)	Expansion Coefficient (10⁻⁶ m/mK)	Notes
Steel	200	12	Standard structural steel
Aluminum	70	23	Higher thermal expansion than steel
Copper	110	17	Good thermal and electrical conductor
Concrete	30	12	Typical reinforced concrete
PVC Plastic	2.8	50.4	Much higher expansion coefficient
Cast Iron	165	12	Similar to steel
Brass	100	18.7	Copper-zinc alloy