Thermal Expansion

Definition

Thermal expansion is the property of materials to expand when heated and contract when cooled.

Types

There are different types of thermal expansion:

• Linear expansion
• Area expansion
• Volumetric expansion

Materials

Thermal expansion occurs in various materials:

• Metals (e.g., aluminum, steel)
• Plastics
• Gases
• Liquids (e.g., mercury)

Applications

Thermal expansion plays a role in:

• Construction (e.g., bridges, railway tracks)
• Temperature measurement
• Installation of rolling bearings
• Solar module construction