Coefficient of thermal expansion

Description

A measurement of a materials change in size as it is heated or cooled. The coefficient of expansion is calculated as a ratio in which a materials change in length, area or volume is divided by the corresponding change in temperature. Both numbers for the size change and the temperature change can correspond either to an increase or decrease in value. For ceramics, the coefficient of expansion of a clay must correspond to the coefficient of expansion for the glaze or crazing will occur.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Wrmeausdehnungskoeffizient (Deut.); coefficient de dilatation thermique (Fr.); expansivity; coefficient of expansion