IX. THERMAL EXPANSIVITY OF SOLIDS

INTRODUCTION TO THERMAL EXPANSIVITY OF SOLIDS
Values of thermal expansion are given in the form of
(a) total fractional expansion, L293 - LT : and (b) by coefficient
7
L 293
of expansion dL change per unit length per K. For example
L dT ’
the total fractional expansion (or contraction) for copper for
a temperature change from 293.15OK (2OoC) to 50°K is .00321
in./ine, i.e., a bar will be .00321 inches shorter at 50°K-.per
inch of length than it was at 293.15 OK. However, the co-
efficient of expansion for copper at 50 0 K is.0000038 in./in.- 0 K,
i.e. it will expand (or contract) .0000038 inches per inch per
0
0 K temperature change from 50 K.
Reprinted from WADD TECH. REPORT 60-56
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IX-A-1
0
January 9, 1967