Thermal Expansion

Free thermal growth, fully-restrained thermal stress and anchor force for a pipe (ASME B31.3 flexibility reference).

Inputs

Unit system

Pipe material

NPS size

Schedule

Pipe length L

Installation temperature

Operating temperature

Temperature change ΔT

Avg. coeff. of thermal expansion α

Modulus of elasticity E

Computed values

Temperature change ΔT

–

Thermal strain ε = α·ΔT

–

Free thermal expansion ΔL

–

Fully-restrained thermal stress σ

–

Fully-restrained anchor force F

–

Pipe cross-section area (steel)

–

Reference values only — a full flexibility and stress analysis per ASME B31.3 para. 319 is required for design.