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Thermal contraction occurs when a material decreases in volume as its temperature decreases, due to the reduction in kinetic energy causing particles to move closer together. This phenomenon is crucial in engineering and construction, as it can lead to structural issues if not properly accounted for in design and material selection.
The coefficient of thermal expansion quantifies how much a material expands or contracts when its temperature changes. It is crucial for engineering and design, as it affects the material's structural integrity and performance across temperature variations.
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Solid-state physics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of rigid matter or solids, particularly their atomic and molecular structure and properties. It forms the theoretical basis for materials science and is crucial for understanding the behavior of semiconductors, metals, and insulators, which are foundational to modern technology.
Mechanical properties of materials describe how materials respond to external forces, including their strength, ductility, hardness, and toughness. Understanding these properties is crucial for selecting appropriate materials for engineering applications and predicting their behavior under different loading conditions.
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A phase transition is a transformation between different states of matter, such as solid, liquid, and gas, driven by changes in external conditions like temperature and pressure. It involves critical phenomena and can be characterized by abrupt changes in physical properties, such as density or magnetization, at specific transition points.
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Elastic modulus is a fundamental mechanical property that measures a material's resistance to deformation under an applied force, reflecting its stiffness. It is crucial in determining how materials respond to stress and strain, influencing their applications in engineering and construction.
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Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat, work, temperature, and energy. It is fundamental in understanding how energy is transferred in physical systems and the limitations of energy conversion processes.
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Dimensional stability refers to the ability of a material or structure to maintain its dimensions when subjected to environmental changes such as temperature, humidity, or mechanical stress. This property is crucial in applications where precision and reliability are essential, as dimensional changes can lead to functional failures or aesthetic issues.
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Shrinkage allowance refers to the intentional increase in dimensions of a pattern to compensate for material contraction during the cooling process in casting. It ensures that the final product achieves precise dimensions as per the engineering specifications after the metal has solidified and contracted.
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