Thermal Expansion: Iron Ring on Wooden Wheel
Physics Explanation
This simulation demonstrates the thermal expansion of an iron ring that needs to fit onto a wooden wheel rim. The ring must be heated to expand its diameter to match the wheel.
LT2 = LT1 [1 + α (T2 - T1)]
Where:
- LT1 = Initial length at temperature T1 (5.231 m)
- LT2 = Length at temperature T2 (5.243 m)
- α = Coefficient of linear expansion for iron (1.20 × 10-5 K-1)
- T1 = Initial temperature (27°C)
- T2 = Final temperature
Calculation Results
Required expansion: 5.243 m - 5.231 m = 0.012 m (12 mm)
Required temperature increase: ΔT = 191°C (from 27°C to 218°C)
