KEVOS® MAKEOS · Materials
Linear Thermal Growth
How much does an unrestrained dimension change with temperature?
Estimate signed linear growth using a supplied constant expansion coefficient and temperature change.
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How this tool works
Inputs, units and where to find them
| Input | Unit | Typical source |
|---|---|---|
| Initial length | mm | Dimension at the initial temperature. |
| Expansion coefficient | µm/(m·K) | Material supplier data over the temperature range; 12 is an illustrative input. |
| Initial temperature | °C | Temperature at which the initial length applies. |
| Final temperature | °C | Uniform final part temperature. |
Method and formulas
- Temperature change = final − initial temperature.
- Length change = initial length × coefficient × 10⁻⁶ × temperature change.
- Final length = initial length + change. Example: 1000 mm, 12 µm/(m·K), 20 to 60°C grows 0.48 mm.
Limitations
- Constant coefficient, uniform temperature and unrestrained expansion only.
- No phase changes, gradients, constraint stresses or temperature-dependent properties are modelled.
- Example values are illustrations. Replace them with values for your actual task.
Typical uses
- thermal expansion
- temperature correction
- dimensional growth
Who it is for
- Designers
- Maintenance engineers
- Metrologists
What you get
- Temperature change
- Signed length change
- Final length
Interpreting the result
- For a fit, calculate both mating parts under their actual thermal conditions.
References
- Machinery’s Handbook, 29th edition (Industrial Press, 2012), printed pp. 375–379. Topic reference; no source tables or recommended settings are reproduced.
- NPL, Fundamental Good Practice in Dimensional Metrology, GPG 80 — https://eprintspublications.npl.co.uk/3360/1/mgpg80.pdf
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