Linear thermal expansion coefficient (Microcellular)

The Linear thermal expansion coefficient (Microcellular) result can be used to help predict part shrinkage that may occur as a result of the temperature changes.

Mesh type:

• Midplane
• Dual Domain
• 3D

Analysis sequences that include:

• Fill (3D mesh)
• Fill+Pack (Midplane and Dual Domain mesh)

You do not need a fiber-filled material to produce this microcellular result, because the bubbles themselves will affect the mechanical properties of the material.

Tip: These results are not shown by default. To view these results, click (Results tab > Plots panel > New Plot) and select them from the list of Available results.

Using this result

Compare the results in each of the different principal directions. The material should expand less in the direction of flow (first principal direction) than perpendicular to the flow direction (second principal direction). If the molecules are aligned in the first and second principal directions, then the linear thermal expansion coefficient will be different in each principal direction. If the molecules are randomly aligned, you would expect to see a uniform linear thermal expansion coefficient in each principal direction.

Tip: Click (Result tab > Plots panel > New Plot) and create this result as an XY or Path plot, also, so that you can view the linear thermal expansion coefficient at a particular element.