The amount a pipe will expand and contract is dependent on three factors. Thermal expansion the general increase in the volume of a material as its temperature is increased. Volumetric three directions 3-D The linear and areal also called superficial thermal expansion applies only to solids.
If the temperature increases then the volume of the material also increases.
Where DV is the change in volume cV is the coefficient of volumetric thermal expansion of the material in K -1 3 times the coefficient of linear thermal expansion Vinit is the initial volume and DT is the change in temperature in Kelvins. The volumetric thermal expansion coefficient is the most basic thermal expansion coefficient. Changes in volume compared to original volume VV0 called volumetric expansion or cubical expansion. The amount a pipe will expand and contract is dependent on three factors.