EXPERIMENT # 1

1.1 Objective:
“To Find the Co-efficient of Linear Expansion”

1.2 Apparatus:
 Copper rod
 Digital Multi-meter
 Thermocouple
 Digital Multi-meter
 Thermocouple
 Digital indicator
 Meter Rod
 Steam Generator

Figure 1.1: ( Co-efficient of thermal expansion apparatus)

1.3 Theory:
1.3.1: What is co-efficient of thermal expansion?
THE COEFFICIENT OF LINEAR thermal expansion (CTE, a, or a1) is a material property that is
indicative of the extent to which a material expands upon heating. Different substances expand
by different amounts. Over small temperature ranges, the thermal expansion of uniform linear
objects is proportional to temperature change. Thermal expansion finds useful application in
bimetallic strips for the construction of thermometers but can generate detrimental internal
stress when a structural part is heated and kept at constant length.
1.3.2: Properties of Copper
 Ductile Metal
Copper can be easily shaped into pipes and drawn into wires.
 Conductivity
Copper is a good conductor of electricity and heat and it has conductivity of 58.14x10 power 6.
 Durability
Copper is durable as it does not detoriate or corrode over time.
 Malleability
Copper can change its shape by stretching without being breaked.

1.3.3: Uses of Copper

 Door Knobs and Pull Handles

– Maybe you haven’t noticed this but most, if not all, of the door knobs and pull handles
you’ve ever held are made partly of copper. They can only be either brass or bronze.

 Railings

– When you’re in the train, at a balcony, or on the stairs, odds are you’ll clutch on to the
copper-based railing nearest you. Like table tops, railings are also commonly touched
surfaces, which is why they are best made of a metal with antimicrobial property. They are
conspicuous, too, so they must be made of a naturally elegant-looking material.

 Tools

– Ever wondered what metal your wrenches, pliers, screw drivers, and other house tools
are made of? Judging by their physical features, you can easily tell that they are copper-
based. Specifically, most of them are made of beryllium copper, a non-sparking and non-
magnetic alloy that works well in hazardous workspaces.

 Wire

– Copper’s high electrical conductivity makes it the safest and most efficient material for
wire cores. Unlike silver, it doesn’t burn up when conducting high voltages.

1.3.4:: Apparatus
 Steam Generator
 Digital Multi-meter (DMM)
 Thermocouple
 Dial Gauge
  Breaker
 Rubber Tubing
 Meter rod
 Copper rod

1.3.4.1: Steam Generator

A steam generator is a piece of equipment designed to convert a liquid, which is usually water, into a
vapor, referred to as steam. The liquid is heated by the burning of some sort of fuel, such as wood, coal,
petroleum or natural gas.

Steam Generator Apparatus

1.3.4.2: Digital-Multi Meter (DMM)

A digital multimeter, DMM is a test instrument used to measure electrical values including voltage,
current and resistance, although modern DMMs often make many more measurements. Many of them
include functions enabling measurement of capacitance, frequency, continuity (with a buzzer to
facilitate easy measurements when looking at the circuit board), temperature, transistor functionality,
and often a number of other measurements as well.

(Digital Multl-meter)
1.3.4.3: Thermocouple
A thermocouple is an electrical device consisting of two dissimilar electrical
conductors forming an electrical junction. A thermocouple produces a temperature-
dependent voltage as a result of the Seebeck effect, and this voltage can be interpreted
to measure temperature. Thermocouples are widely used as temperature sensors.

Thermo-couple

1.3.4.4: Dial Gauge

A dial gauge is a precision measurement commonly used to measure machined parts for production
tolerances or wear. Dial gauges are capable of producing extremely fine measurement values;
increments of 0.00005 inch (0.001mm) may be possible with some gauges. Measurement inputs are
transferred to the gauge via a plunger, hinged lever, or the jaws of a vernier. Plunger instruments are
generally used in conjunction with a clamp or stand which holds the gauge in a fixed position in relation
to the workpiece.

Dial Gauge
1.3.4.5: Beaker
he primary function of a beaker is to hold and work with liquids. If graduated, it can serve to make
approximate measurements of liquid volume. The beaker is made of specialized glass so it can be heated
and cooled without breaking. This type of glass makes the beaker brittle and it must be handled
carefully.

Beaker

1.3.4.6: Rubber Tubing

Rubber tubing is used in flow lines for fluids and gases in a variety of hydraulic, pneumatic,
process, medical, and specialty applications. Rubber tubing is flexible and resilient due to its
natural or synthetic rubber construction. What distinguishes rubber tubing from other types
of tubing is its rubber-based construction.

Rubber Tubing
1.3.4.7: Meter rod
Metering rods are precision instruments used to accurately meter the amount of liquid coating applied
to papers, films, foils, and other substrates.

Meter Rod

1.3.4.8: Copper rod

copper rod is known for its ability to conduct electricity and is commonly used in plumbing, electrical,
and engineering applications. We carry copper round stock in 101, 110 Metric, 110, 145, and 182. Our
solid copper rod diameters start at 1/16" (.0625) and go up to 6"

Copper rod
1.4: Procedure
 Measure the length “L” of the copper tube at room temperature. Measure from inner edge of
the stainless-steel pin on one end, to the inner edge of the angle bracket at the other end.
 Mount the copper tube in the expansion base. The stainless steal pin on the tube fits into the
slot on the slotted mounting block and the tube presses against the spring arm of the dial gauge.
 Use one of the provided thumb screws to attach the thermistor lug to the threaded hole in the
middle of the copper tube. The lug should be aligned with the axis of the tube, so there is
maximum contact between the lug and the tube.
 Place the foam insulator over the thermistor lugs.
 Plug the lead of the ohmmeter into the banana plug connectors labeled thermistor in the center
of the expansion base.
 Measure and record R, the resistance of the thermistor at room temperature ,record these
values from the table.
 Use tubing to attach your steam generator to the end of the copper tube . Attach it to the end
farthest from the dial gauge.
 Use a book or a block of wood to raise the end of the expansion base at which steam enters the
tube. This will allow any water that condenses in the tube to drain out. Place a container under
the other end the tube to catch the draining water.
 Turn the outer casing of the dial gauge to align the zero point on the scale with the indicator
needle.
 Turn on the steam generator ,as steam begins to flow watch the dial gauge and the ohmmeter .
When the thermistor resistance stabilizes record the resistance . Also record the expansion of
the tube(L) as indicated by the displacement of the dial gauge.
 Repeat the experiment for steel and aluminum.

Observation Table:
Sr# Initial Initial Final Change in
Length Temprature Temperature Temperature
(L)0 (T1) ( T2 ) ∆T

1
1.5 Calculation:
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1.6 Conclusion:
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