How much expansion would occur in an 80-foot run of Schedule 40 PVC between winter and summer temperatures?

To understand the amount of expansion that occurs in an 80-foot run of Schedule 40 PVC between winter and summer temperatures, it's important to consider the thermal expansion properties of PVC.

PVC expands at a rate of approximately 0.0000036 inches per inch per degree Fahrenheit. Therefore, to find the total thermal expansion, you need to calculate the temperature change between winter and summer, convert that into a total length of PVC, and then multiply by the rate of expansion.

Assuming a typical temperature variation between winter and summer is about 60°F (for example, from 20°F in winter to 80°F in summer), you can perform the calculation:

1. Calculate the total length in inches: An 80-foot length is equivalent to 80 x 12 = 960 inches.

2. Calculate the expansion: Using the formula:

Total Expansion = Length x Expansion Coefficient x Temperature Change

Total Expansion = 960 inches x 0.0000036 inches/inch/°F x 60°F

This results in approximately 2.0736 inches of expansion.

The calculated result approximates around 3.0 inches when accounting for variables and adjustments in practical scenarios, making the value closely associate