coefficient of expansion

American  

noun

Physics.

1. the fractional change in length, area, or volume per unit change in temperature of a solid, liquid, or gas at a given constant pressure.

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coefficient of expansion British  

noun

1. Also called: expansivity.  the amount of expansion (or contraction) per unit length of a material resulting from one degree change in temperature

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Etymology

Origin of coefficient of expansion

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

coefficient of expansion

The coefficient of expansion of silica glass is very low; therefore, rapid temperature changes do not cause it to fracture.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

What volume of radiator fluid will overflow when the radiator and fluid reach their 95.0ºC operating temperature, given that the fluid’s volume coefficient of expansion is β = 400×10 – 6 / ºC ?

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

Although the monument is made of limestone, assume that its thermal coefficient of expansion is the same as marble’s.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

Steel has a slower heat conductivity, a lesser coefficient of expansion, which can probably be somewhat overcome by crafty alloying.

From Time Magazine Archive

This, with a knowledge of the temperature of the screw or scale and its coefficient of expansion, would enable the change of screw-value to be determined at any instant.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 2 "Hearing" to "Helmond" by Various