Thermal expansion of copper in the temperature range −185 to +300°C

1. An investigation was carried out into the thermal expansion of 11 different copper specimens in the temperature range −185 to +300°C using dilatometers based on Strelkov's kinematic system. Experimental results were used to plot smooth difference curves α=F(t) and e=f(t). A check was made to ensure that the curve smoothing was correct. 2. The averaged curves were checked against literature data. The comparison made in tabular form showed an average deviation of ±1% from the best literature data. Only in the temperature region −185°C (α=F(t)) and 0°C (e=f(t)) did the average deviation reach ±2%. 3. The testing of copper, which has taken place over many years, showed that, with the accuracy of the method, its thermal expansion is stable in time. Because of this, and some other properties, copper can be recommended for the manufacture of master gauges for dilatometry in the temperature range −185 to +300°C.