What thermal expansion coefficients guide composite material engineering?
Thermal expansion coefficients (CTE) play a crucial role in composite material engineering, determining how materials expand or contract under temperature changes. Engineers rely on CTE values to design composites with balanced thermal stability, especially for aerospace, automotive, and construction applications. Key factors include the CTE mismatch between matrix and reinforcement, fiber orientation, and polymer selection. Advanced composites often combine low-CTE fibers (e.g., carbon or glass) with tailored polymer matrices to minimize warping or delamination. Understanding these principles ensures optimal performance in extreme thermal environments.
