Strain Gauge Techniques for Measuring Thermal Expansion.

摘要

A novel strain gauge technique for measuring thermal expansion and dimensional change is discussed. The technique has been used to measure the thermal expansion coefficient of a number of materials including copper, aluminium and both polymer and metal matrix composites. Copper and aluminium were used for calibration purposes and validation of the technique. Values obtained from the strain gauge method for the thermal expansion coefficient, between 25-100 degrees C, of copper and aluminium were 16.6 and 23.4 x 10 to the minus 6th power/degrees C respectively and these are in good agreement with typical handbook values.