Thermal expansion calculation using FBGS in cryogenic applications

This study presents the measurement of the thermal expansion of aluminum alloy 6061 at cryogenic temperatures using Helium as the cooling medium. Three distinct tests were conducted to evaluate thermal expansion: two with gradual and natural heating of the material, and a third with temperature stabilization at key points. Measurements were carried out using Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors (FBGS), which provided precise and reliable data on the material's thermal behavior. The obtained results were compared with reference curves from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), showing good agreement and validation of the employed methods. This research highlights the effectiveness of using FBGS in measuring thermal expansion under cryogenic conditions and the importance of heating procedures in obtaining accurate data.