Work out thermal expansion (linear) instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Linear expansion is dL = L.alpha.dT. A 12 m steel beam with alpha = 12e-6 per kelvin grows 5.04 mm over a 35 K rise - which is why bridges need expansion joints and rails were traditionally laid with gaps. Restraining that growth instead generates thermal stress of E.alpha.dT, about 84 MPa for steel over 35 K.
Linear expansion
dL = L x alpha x dT
Thermal strain
strain = alpha x dT
The material develops thermal stress equal to E.alpha.dT. For steel that is about 2.4 MPa per kelvin, so even modest heating can buckle a restrained member.
Invar at about 1.2e-6 per kelvin and fused silica at 0.5e-6, which is why they are used in precision instruments.