Q&A forum: Bimetallic Strip Calculator
(heat-shrink & freeze-grow)

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Question:

Yesterday, I bought this calculator. And have two questions.

First, I want to know the unit used in bimetal strip calculator v1. For example, What do these initials including T,l,E... stand for? 'T' is Fahrenheit or Celsius? 'l' is millimeter?

Second, Is it possible to use this calculator when I want to know the bimetal bending length in outside environment? So the temperature range may be from 15℃ to 40℃.
In shortly, I want to know the bimetal's bending lenght('z'in calculator) according to the outside temperature.

 Answer:

As with all CalQlata calculators you may use any units you like as long as you are consistent. Therefore, you may use temperature units of Rankine or kelvin and the temperature 'Ṯ' refers to temperature change between 'at rest' and 'heated'. But you should make sure that the temperature you use is the correct one for the expansion coefficient ('α') you are using.

The symbols are explained in the context help menu ('Help >Context' or by clicking on the blue circle with a question-mark)
Also, if you prefer to see descriptions in the DataListing window instead of symbols, open the Help Menu and click 'Symbols'. This item switches between symbols and descriptions.

If you would like to see how to use all of the functions available in the program, you could read our web-page How They Work

The calculation you perform is for the dimensional changes due to the temperature difference between assembly (manufacture) and operation.
Therefore, if you manufacture the part(s) at a temperature of, say 15C and want to know the lateral movement of the end of the strip at 40C, you enter a temperature of 25C (40C – 15C) and the amount of movement at the tip will be as calculated for 'z'.