Description: This simulation depicts the difference between the outputs by using two different models of solving the problem of how much a metal contract when subjected to a large temperature change.
Keywords: modeling, engineering modeling, thermal expansion, thermal contraction, coefficient of thermal expansion.
Learning Objectives: After successful completion of running the simulation with proper questions asked by the instructor, the student would be able to 1) note the calculation of the contraction in metal by modeling the variation of coefficient of thermal expansion as a function of temperature 2) note the calculation of the contraction in metal by modeling coefficient of thermal expansion as a constant function of temperature 3) note the differences between the two, 4) recognize the need for numerical methods for more accurate solutions.
Full Resources: The full resources for the topic of the modeling differences are given here.
Software Requirements: Latest versions of Safari, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome.
Credits: Design Team: Autar Kaw and Mayank Pandey. Software development: Mayank Pandey and Autar Kaw.
We acknowledge the immense help of the Phet Google group, third party libraries: almond-0.2.9.js, easing-equations-r12,FileSaver-b8054a2.js, fontawesome-webfont-3.0.2.svg, jama-1.0.2, jquery-2.1.0.js, lodash-2.4.1.js, pegjs-0.7.0.js, seedrandom-2.4.2.js, text-2.0.12.js, Tween-r12.js
Acknowledgments: This material is based upon work supported partially by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number 2013271. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
All Simulations: Here is the link for all the simulations developed.