Thermal expansion coefficient volumetric or linear?

[Taylor W]

Hi all,

In Abaqus, for the thermal expansion coefficient, do you input the volumetric or linear expansion coefficient? I'm assuming that it's the linear coefficient(s) regardless of whether it's isotropic, orthotropic, or anisotropic, but I just want to be sure.

Thanks!

 

[FEA way]

It's a linear thermal expansion coefficient. For orthotropic and anisotropic cases you specify the coefficients in all directions.