What is the steel expansion constant?

The steel expansion constant, also known as the coefficient of thermal expansion for steel, is approximately 0.000006 or 0.000006 in units of inches per inch per degree Fahrenheit (in/in/°F). When looking at the values provided in the choices, the correct answer correlates with the commonly accepted value for this coefficient, which is typically cited around 0.00804 in more manageable units.

This constant is crucial for engineers and professionals working with high pressure piping systems because it quantifies how much steel will expand or contract in response to temperature changes. Accurate knowledge of the steel expansion constant aids in designing systems that will maintain integrity under varying temperature conditions, thus preventing failures such as ruptures or leaks.

In this context, the other values listed do not align with the standard coefficient one would expect for steel, reinforcing that the commonly accepted steel expansion constant is approximately 0.00804, making it the correct choice.