coefficient of thermal expansion – A measure of the fractional change in size of an object per degree change in temperature at constant pressure.
Typically when discussing precision engineering, we mean the coefficient of linear thermal expansion, but there are also volumetric and area coefficients. On Practical Precision, unless otherwise specified, CTE refers to the coefficient of linear thermal expansion.
Material properties and thermal properties in particular tend to vary with temperature. Coefficient of thermal expansion tends to vary directly with temperature.
Symbol
On Practical Precision, coefficient of thermal expansion is represented in formulas by the symbol α.
In text, the abbreviation CTE may be used.
Units
SI: 10-6/K or 10-6/°C
English: 10-6/°F
See also
Differential thermal expansion
Related articles
Selecting Materials for Kinematic Components
External references
Thermal expansion on Wikipedia
