CONCLUSION

The objectives of the experiment were achieved because we were able to determine the
coefficient of linear expansion of a metal tube by measuring the initial length using a meter stick,
its initial and final temperature of the metal tube by interpolation, resistance using a digital multi-
tester and the final length using a dial gauge. We were also able to achieve the second objective
of this experiment by determining the factors that affect the change in length in thermal
expansion. The factors are: change in temperature, the original length, and the coefficient of
thermal expansion.

In this experiment, we were able to prove that the effect of heat into a matter is to expand
it as the heat increases. Generally, the objects experience expansion when there is an increase in
temperature and contraction when there is a decrease in temperature. Every material is uniquely
paired with their coefficient of linear expansion. Therefore, each object uniquely responds to the
heat transfer between systems. A material with larger amount of coefficient of linear expansion
takes a larger amount of heat to expand a certain length compared to a material with smaller
coefficient of linear expansion.

Engineers and architects must always take into consideration the fact that objects
usually expand when they are heated. As a result, they have to design buildings, bridges,
power lines, and other structures to compensate for expansion and contraction. Thermal
expansion, also, is used in the construction of certain appliances and devices in homes
and industry. One example is the bimetallic strip. A bimetallic strip consists of two pieces
of metal welded to each other. The two metals are chosen to have different coefficients of
expansion. When the bimetallic strip is heated, it bends one way or the other as one metal
expands faster than the other.

One practical application of Thermal Expansion in my program, Computer Engineering,
is its effect in selecting the most appropriate heat sink for the ventilation of the Central
Processing Unit of our computers. In a computer, heat sink plays a vital role of dissipating heat
from the system. Heat sink is a vital component in a computer because it dissipates the heat
generated by the system. The overall efficiency, cost, and size of the system could be influenced
by the heat sink device. Four selection criteria; thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal
expansion, density, and cost were abducted for selecting a computer heat sink material. An ideal
heat sink material exhibits high thermal conductivity, low coefficient of thermal expansion, low
density, and low cost. Aluminum and Copper are mainly used for computer heat sinks.