lämpötilaaine

Lämpötilaaine, often translated as temperature substance or thermal agent, refers to a material whose physical properties change measurably and predictably with temperature. These changes allow the material to be used in various applications for sensing, indicating, or controlling temperature. The most common property that changes is electrical resistance, as seen in thermistors and resistance temperature detectors (RTDs). However, other properties can also be utilized. For instance, bimetallic strips, composed of two metals with different thermal expansion coefficients, bend when heated, forming the basis of some thermostats and thermometers.

Phase change materials are another type of lämpötilaaine. These substances absorb or release significant amounts of thermal energy at a specific temperature during their phase transition (e.g., melting or solidifying). This characteristic makes them useful for thermal energy storage and temperature stabilization. Thermochromic materials change color in response to temperature variations, finding use in novelty items, safety indicators, and temperature monitoring strips. The selection of a specific lämpötilaaine depends on the required temperature range, accuracy, response time, and the operating environment of the application.