Universal Graphite Dilatometer for High Temperature Studies

Abstract

A new, universal expansion measuring device has been developed for the accurate and rapid measurements of thermal expansion to very high temperatures. The design and operations are described in detail and results are presented of measurements on a number of high temperature materials.

The instrument is unique in its capability of allowing the investigator to employ a recording graphite dilatometer concurrently with an optical extensometer trained directly on the specimen. With this combination, an accuracy not heretofore possible for dilatometers is attained without sacrificing the advantages offered by continuous recording. The device may be calibrated by absolute measurements, independent of any standards or reference materials. The unit is equipped with its own furnace, power supply and fully digital linear programmer as well as analog and digital data acquisition systems.