For reference only — not a substitute for professional engineering judgement. See Terms.

Pre-filled from .

Rail Class: —  ·  Rail Type: —  ·  Thermal Expansion (α): — ×10−6 /°C

  • Young's Modulus (E) assumed 206,000 MPa — standard for steel rail.
  • Rail cross-sectional area is derived from the selected rail type profile.

Results update as you type.

°C
°C

Optional — provide curve inputs to calculate lateral force on fastenings.

m
mm

Enter temperatures above to see results.

Formula reference

Thermal stress (constrained rail):

σ = E × α × |ΔT|

Longitudinal force:

F = σ × A / 1000   (A in mm², F in kN)

Temperature difference:

ΔT = Tcurrent − Tneutral   (+ve = compression, −ve = tension)