Coefficients of linear thermal expansion are used, for example, for design purposes and to determine if failure by thermal stress may occur when a solid body composed of two different materials is subjected to temperature variations.

This test method is comparable to Test Method D3386 for testing electrical insulation materials, but it covers a more general group of solid materials and it defines test conditions more specifically. This test method uses a smaller specimen and substantially different apparatus than Test Methods E228 and D696.

1.1 This test method determines the apparent coefficient of linear thermal expansion of solid materials using thermomechanical analysis techniques.

1.2 This test method is applicable to solid materials that exhibit sufficient rigidity over the test temperature range such that the sensing probe does not produce indentation of the specimen.

1.3 The recommended lower limit of coefficient of linear thermal expansion measured with this test method is 5 μm/(m·°C). The test method may be used at lower (or negative) expansion levels with decreased accuracy and precision (see Section 11).

1.4 This test method is applicable to the temperature range from −120 to 900 °C. The temperature range may be extended depending upon the instrumentation and calibration materials used.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This test method is related to ISO 11359-2 but is significantly different in technical detail.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.