Thermal Expansion
Thermal expansion is the tendency of matter to change its shape, area, and volume in response to a change in temperature. In space and astronautical engineering, thermal expansion is a critical factor in the design and operation of spacecraft and their components. The extreme temperatures experienced in space can cause materials to expand or contract, which can lead to mechanical stress, deformation, and failure. Engineers must take into account the thermal expansion properties of materials when designing spacecraft structures, thermal control systems, and propulsion systems. They use materials with low coefficients of thermal expansion, such as carbon fiber composites, and design structures with thermal expansion joints to accommodate the changes in size and shape. Thermal expansion is also a factor in the operation of engines and thrusters, where changes in temperature can affect the performance and efficiency of the system.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Synoptic Chart: A synoptic chart is a map that shows weather conditions over a large area at a given time. It is used to analyze and forecast weather patterns and is an important tool for meteorologists in predicting weather. The chart displays various wea ... Read More >>
- Triangulation: Triangulation is a method used in space and astronautical engineering to determine the position of a spacecraft or satellite by measuring angles between it and two or more reference points. This technique is commonly used in satellite navig ... Read More >>
- Diffusion: Diffusion is the process by which molecules or particles move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, diffusion plays an important role in the behavior of ga ... Read More >>
Top News
This week on "Sunday Morning" (April 20)...
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley....
News Source: CBS News on 2025-04-17
Scientists detect strongest hints yet of life on a distant planet...
Scientists have detected unique chemical patterns similar to those produced by the Earth's algae and seaweed — raising the possibility of the presence of a warm ocean, perhaps teeming with life, on ...
News Source: NBC News on 2025-04-17
Is there life on another planet? Scientists find the strongest evidence yet...
Near a planet far, far away astronomers have found traces of chemicals that on Earth are only produced by living beings....
News Source: Al Jazeera English on 2025-04-17
Scientists find strongest evidence yet of life on an alien planet | CNN...
In a potential landmark discovery, scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope have obtained what they call the strongest signs yet of possible life beyond our solar system, detecting in an alien ...
News Source: CNN on 2025-04-17
Katy Perry's trip to space wasn't inspirational. It was tone-deaf marketing....
Katy Perry indulged in a space tourism trip Monday, courtesy of Jeff Bezos' company. It's the latest in a long line of missteps for the singer....
News Source: Business Insider on 2025-04-14