Thermal Expansion Converter
Convert linear (or volumetric) thermal expansion coefficients. Most materials expand when heated; coefficients are given per degree temperature change.
Common Thermal Expansion Conversions
| From | To |
|---|---|
| 1 /°C | 1.8 /°F |
| 1 /K | 1 /°C |
| 1 /°F | 0.5556 /°C |
Thermal Expansion Unit Definitions
- Per °C (/°C)
- Most common in engineering drawings (metric).
- Per °F (/°F)
- Used primarily in US engineering contexts.
- Per K (/K)
- SI unit; numerically equal to /°C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is thermal expansion?
When materials are heated, they expand. The linear expansion coefficient α describes fractional length change per degree: ΔL = α L₀ ΔT.
Why are /°C and /K the same numerically?
Celsius and Kelvin degrees have identical size; only the zero point differs.
What materials have high thermal expansion?
Aluminum: ~23×10⁻⁶/°C. Steel: ~12×10⁻⁶/°C. Glass (borosilicate): ~3.3×10⁻⁶/°C. Invar alloy: ~1×10⁻⁶/°C — used where expansion must be minimized.