Is there a method of lowering linear expansion of a material?

ShiningLegend

Hi,

I was just wondering if it was possible to change the linear expansion (and expansion in volume as volume expansion is three times the linear expansion) of a certain material. The coefficient being;

a = (Final Length - Initial Length)/ (Initial length) * (ΔT)


Is it possible to engineer a material to expand greater at lower temperature levels?

M Quack

In some circumstances it is possible. Invar alloys, for example, are engineered such that magnetostriction compensates thermal expansion over a temperature range near room temperature. This is a very special case (and apparently still not fully understood) that cannot be generalized to other materials.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invar

Are you thinking about a special material and temperature range?