Thermal Expansion
Thermal expansion is the tendency of matter to change its shape, area, and volume in response to a change in temperature. In space and astronautical engineering, thermal expansion is a critical factor in the design and operation of spacecraft and their components. The extreme temperatures experienced in space can cause materials to expand or contract, which can lead to mechanical stress, deformation, and failure. Engineers must take into account the thermal expansion properties of materials when designing spacecraft structures, thermal control systems, and propulsion systems. They use materials with low coefficients of thermal expansion, such as carbon fiber composites, and design structures with thermal expansion joints to accommodate the changes in size and shape. Thermal expansion is also a factor in the operation of engines and thrusters, where changes in temperature can affect the performance and efficiency of the system.
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