// Free Engineering Tool

Pipework Thermal Expansion Calculator

Calculate free thermal expansion, fully-constrained thermal force and stress, and expansion loop or offset sizing for pipework systems using the guided cantilever method per ASME B31.3.

Thermal Expansion of Pipework

Calculate free thermal expansion, constrained thermal force and stress, and the minimum expansion loop or offset leg length required to absorb the movement. Enter pipe geometry to unlock force, stress and loop sizing outputs.

Material & Temperature

Matériau

CDT α (×10⁻⁶ /°C)

Module de Young E (GPa)

Limite élastique σ_y (MPa)

Longueur de tube L (m)

Température de pose T₁ (°C)

Température de service T₂ (°C)

Pipe Geometry — optional, enables force, stress & loop sizing

Sélection rapide NPS

Outside Diameter D_o (mm)

Épaisseur de paroi t (mm)

Contrainte admissible lyre σ_a (MPa)

Dilatation thermique libre

ΔL = α · L · ΔT

Temperature Difference ΔT

—

°C

Free Expansion ΔL

—

Expansion Rate

—

mm/m

Strain ε = α·ΔT

—

mm/m (×10⁻³)

Entièrement bridé — Force & contrainte thermique

F = α · E · A · ΔT · σ = α · E · ΔT

Pipe Wall Area A

—

mm²

Constrained Thermal Stress σ

—

MPa

Constrained Thrust Force F

—

Stress Utilisation

—

% of σ_y

Enter pipe Do and t to calculate constrained force and stress.

Absorption dilatation — Dimensionnement lyre & décalage

Console guidée — Approche ASME B31.3

U-Loop Leg Length L_loop

—

mm each leg

L-Offset / Elbow Leg

—

Loop Allowable Stress Used

—

MPa

Bellows / Joint Stroke ΔL

—

mm (axial)

Enter pipe Do, t and allowable stress to size expansion loops.

    Loop sizing uses guided cantilever formula L = √(3·E·Dₒ·ΔL / (2·σₐ)). Allowable stress default 2/3 σ_y. Verify to ASME B31.3 Appendix C or EN 13480-3 Clause 12. Expansion joints / bellows must be selected by the manufacturer for axial stroke, pressure rating and cycle life.
    
  

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