Experiment no 1

To find the coefficient of linear thermal expansion of aluminium

1.1 Apparatus:

 Digital multi-meter
 Steam generator
 Aluminium rod
 Thermocouples
 Scale
 Hoses / tube pipes
 Dial indicator

Figure 1.1

1.2 Theory:

Thermal expansion refers to a fractional change in size of a material in response to a change

in temperature. This includes
o changes in length compared to original length (Δℓ/ℓ0) called linear expansion
o changes in area compared to original area (ΔA/A0) called areal
expansion or superficial expansion
o changes in volume compared to original volume (ΔV/V0) called volumetric
expansion or cubical expansion
 For most materials, over small temperature ranges, these fractional change:
o are directly proportional to temperature change (ΔT) and
o have the same sign (i.e., materials usually expand when heated and contract when
cooled)
o are larger for liquids than solids

1.2.1 A coefficient of thermal expansion:

o is the ratio of the fractional change in size of a material to its change in temperature
o is represented by the symbol α (alpha) for solids and β (beta) for liquids
o uses the SI unit inverse Kelvin (K−1 or 1/K) or the equivalent acceptable non SI
universe degree Celsius (℃−1 or 1/℃).
 Solid:
o Tend to retain their shape when not constrained and so are best described by a linear
coefficient of thermal expansion, α (alpha).
o have an area expansion that is very nearly twice their linear expansion, 2α (since two
perpendicular linear measurements describe an area)
o have a volumetric expansion that is very nearly three times their linear
expansion, 3α(since three perpendicular linear measurements describe a volume)
 Liquid:
o Tend to take on the shape of their container and so are best described by a volumetric
coefficient of thermal expansion, β (beta).
∆L
∆ L=∆ T α L ˳ α = ∆T L˳

1.3 Apparatus explanation:

1.3.1 Digital multi-meter:

A digital multimeter is a test tool used to measure two or more electrical values—
principally voltage (volts), current (amps) and resistance (ohms). It is a standard diagnostic
tool for technicians in the electrical/electronic industries.

Figure 1.2 Digital multi-meter

1.3.2 Digital indicator:

When digital electronic indicators were introduced in the early 1980s, some observers
expected them to blow mechanical dial indicators out of the water. In spite of electronic
indicators’ clear superiority for use in statistical process control and data collection systems,
mechanical indicators retain other advantages and they are still frequently specified by many
sophisticated users.
 Figure 1.3 dial indicator

1.3.3 Thermocouples:
A thermocouple, also known as a "thermoelectrical thermometer", 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.

Figure 1.4 thermocouples

1.3.4 Steam generator:

A steam generator is a form of low water-content boiler, similar to a flash steam boiler. The
usual construction is as a spiral coil of water-tube, arranged as a single, or monotube, coil.
Circulation is once-through and pumped under pressure, as a forced-circulation boiler.

Figure 1.5 steam generator

1.3.5 Meter scale:

The meter scale is the apparatus for measurement of the length of any object. Example: The
length of the square is 5 meters. Here, 5 is the magnitude of the length and meter is the unit of
length. 1 meter of the meter scale is divided into 100 centimeters. Meter scale is used to
measure Length.

Figure 1.5 Meter scale

1.4 Properties of aluminum:

 It has low density, is non-toxic
 It has high thermal conductivity
 It has excellent resistance to corrosion
 It can be cast, machined and molded quickly.
 It's non-magnetic and non-sparking as well.
 It is the second most ductile and the sixth most malleable metal.

1.5 Uses of aluminum:

 Aluminum is used in a huge variety of products including cans, foils, kitchen utensils,
window frames, beer kegs and aeroplane parts.
 It is often used as an alloy because aluminum itself is not particularly strong. Alloys
with copper, manganese, magnesium and silicon are lightweight but strong. They are
very important in the construction of aeroplanes and other forms of transport.
 Aluminium is a good electrical conductor and is often used in electrical transmission
lines. It is cheaper than copper and weight for weight is almost twice as good a
conductor.
 When evaporated in a vacuum, aluminium forms a highly reflective coating for both
light and heat. It does not deteriorate, like a silver coating would. These aluminium
coatings have many uses, including telescope mirrors, decorative paper, packages and
toys.

1.6 Procedure:

 To find L, the length of the aluminium tube at room temperature, measure from the
inner edge of the stainless steel pin on one end, to the inner edge of the angle bracket
at the other end. Record your results as in table
 Mount the aluminium tube in the expansion base as shown. The stainless steel pin on
the tube fits into the slot on the mounting block and the bracket on the tube presses
against the spring arm of the dial gauge
 Place the foam insulator over the thermistor.
  Plug the leads of the multimeter into the banana plug connectors labelled
THERMISTOR in the centre of the expansion base and set the multimeter to measure
resistance (Ω)
 Measure and record Rrm, the resistance of the thermistor at room temperature. Record
this value
 Use tubing to attach your steam generator to the end of the aluminium 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 - a few centimetres is sufficient. This will allow any water that
condenses in the tube to drain out. Place a beaker under the other end of 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
long indicator needle. As the tube expands, the indicator needle will move in a anti-
clockwise direction.
 Ensure there is enough water in the steam generator before switching it on. Once
switched on, do not remove the top. Turn on the steam generator. As steam begins to
flow, watch the dial gauge and the multimeter. When the thermistor resistance
stabilises, record the resistance as in Table Also record the expansion of the tube
length (∆L) as indicated by the displacement of the indicator on the dial gauge. (Each
increment on the dial gauge is equivalent to 0.01 mm of tube expansion).
 If time permits, repeat the experiment, replacing the steam with cold water running
through the tube(s). Make sure the water is drained off properly.

1.7 Observation:

Material Initial Final Original Change Change in Coefficient

Temperature Temperature Length in Length Temperature of linear
expansion
(T1) ˚C (T2) ˚C (L˳) cm (∆L) cm (∆T= T2 –T1) ˚C (α =
∆L
)
∆T L˳

1.8 Calculation:

1.9 Conclusion:
Thermal expansion was generally defined as the increase in the volume of a material as its
temperature is increased that is usually expressed as a fractional change in length or
volume per unit temperature change; a linear expansion coefficient is usually for the
expansion of a solid, while a volume expansion coefficient is for a liquid or a gas.
Correlating this to the experiment, the materials having a change in
temperature will have a corresponding change in a particular dimension which is length
for this experiment. The expansion of a material depends on the value of its coefficient of
linear expansion; wherein higher the coefficient of linear expansion is, the more it will
expand and with that it can be considered that these two are directly proportional. From
the data gathered, aluminum has greater change in length than that of the copper. So therefore, it
can conclude that an object with greater coefficient of linear expansion will have the greater
change in length.