The Thermal Expansion Apparatus ThermoFlux-26 is a dilatometer-based laboratory instrument for determining the linear thermal expansion of brass, copper, and aluminium as a function of temperature. This thermal expansion apparatus supplies three 500 mm expansion rods, one per material, heated by a 2-litre, 500 W to 1,000 W heating system. A digital dial gauge (0 to 20 mm range, 0.01 mm resolution) measures rod elongation at each temperature step. Optional LABVIEW-based DAQ software with electronic sensors is available for automated data acquisition, compatible with any Windows operating system.

Thermal Expansion Apparatus ThermoFlux-26, Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | ThermoFlux-26 |
| Expansion Rod Quantity | 3 |
| Expansion Rod Length | 500 mm each |
| Expansion Rod Materials | Brass, copper, aluminium |
| Heating Tank Capacity | 2 litres |
| Heating Power | 500 W to 1,000 W |
| Dial Gauge Type | Digital |
| Dial Gauge Range | 0 to 20 mm |
| Dial Gauge Resolution | 0.01 mm |
| Optional Software | National Instruments LABVIEW, Windows compatible |
| Scope of Delivery | 1 experimental module, 1 set of tubes, 1 digital gauge, 1 instruction manual |
Technical Data
Expansion Rods
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 3 |
| Length | 500 mm |
| Materials | Brass, copper, aluminium |
Heating System
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Tank Capacity | 2 litres |
| Heating Power | 500 W to 1,000 W |
Dial Gauge
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Digital |
| Measurement Range | 0 to 20 mm |
| Resolution | 0.01 mm |
Key Features
Experiments
Construction and Design
The Thermal Expansion Apparatus ThermoFlux-26 is built around a dilatometer arrangement accommodating three interchangeable expansion rods. Each rod is 500 mm in length and is supplied in one of three materials: brass, copper, and aluminium. The heating system uses a 2-litre tank with a heating power range of 500 W to 1,000 W to raise rod temperature in a controlled manner. Elongation is measured directly by a digital dial gauge with a 0 to 20 mm range and 0.01 mm resolution, capturing precise dimensional change at each temperature point. This thermal expansion apparatus supports systematic comparison of expansion behaviour across all three materials using the same measurement geometry and rod length.
Software
ThermoFlux-26 DAQ Software (Optional)
The optional software for this thermal expansion apparatus is developed in the National Instruments LABVIEW environment. It measures and calculates experimental results automatically. A set of electronic sensors is included when the software option is selected. The software is compatible with any Windows operating system.
Scope of Delivery
Q1: Which materials are tested with the ThermoFlux-26 thermal expansion apparatus?
Three expansion rods are supplied, one each in brass, copper, and aluminium, each 500 mm in length. Linear expansion is determined for each material as a function of temperature using the dilatometer method.
Q2: What is the measurement resolution of the dial gauge?
The digital dial gauge has a measurement range of 0 to 20 mm and a resolution of 0.01 mm, enabling precise tracking of small dimensional changes in each rod.
Q3: What is the heating capacity of the system?
The heating system has a 2-litre tank capacity and operates at a heating power between 500 W and 1,000 W.
Q4: Is data acquisition software available for the ThermoFlux-26?
Yes. Optional DAQ software developed in the National Instruments LABVIEW environment is available. It measures and calculates experimental results and is compatible with any Windows operating system. A set of electronic sensors is included with the software option.
Q5: What experiments can students perform with this apparatus?
Students can determine linear expansion coefficients for brass, copper, and aluminium as a function of temperature, investigate the relationship between change in length and total rod length, and study equilibrium spacing and thermal capacity, all using the same dilatometer setup.