Thermal expansion of copper and some of its important industrial alloys

Abstract

Data on the thermal expansion of 128 samples of copper and its important alloys of various compositions, heat treatments, mechanical treatments, etc., are presented. The specimens contained from 56 to 100 per cent copper and were prepared in a number of ways-cast, cast and cold-rolled, extruded, extruded and cold worked, hot-rolled and cold worked. Most of the samples were examined from room temperature to about 300° C. (Several specimens were cooled to-50° C and then heated to +300° C.) Practically all available information on the thermal expansion of copper and its alloys is briefly reviewed. A description of the apparatus and the preparation of the samples, etc., are given. Definite mathematical relations were found to exist between the coefEcients of expansion and the copper content of most of the alloys investigated (Series II, III, V, VI). In general, the coefficient of expansion increases with a decrease in the copper content. The addition of lead or tin has a decided effect on the coefficient; the former element generally decreases and the latter increases the coefficient. Cast and Cold-Roi,i