This entry discusses different definitions of CTE, their relation to thermal strain, how to convert between the different forms, and how to use them in a model. The forms discussed below include instantaneous coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), secant coefficient of thermal expansion, and direct use of a thermal strain function.
Thin layers of adhesive, plastic, or rubber are often employed in precision machines for joining, shimming, and sealing. These layers are often the most compliant and most dimensionally unstable elements of an assembly, so it is important to understand their behavior.
