What are the thermal expansion coefficients of polyethylene versus PVC for joint design?
When designing joints in engineering applications, understanding the thermal expansion coefficients of materials is crucial. Polyethylene (PE) typically has a thermal expansion coefficient ranging from 100-200 x 10^-6 /°C, while Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) exhibits a lower range of 50-80 x 10^-6 /°C. This significant difference means PE expands nearly twice as much as PVC under the same temperature changes. For joint design, this disparity requires careful consideration to prevent stress, buckling, or failure. Engineers must account for these properties when selecting materials for piping systems, construction, or other applications where temperature fluctuations occur. Proper joint design can accommodate these expansions through flexible connectors, expansion loops, or calculated spacing.
