Thermal expansion of solids: review on theories

The coefficient of thermal expansion of a solid can be derived from (1) anharmonicity of atomic vibrations; (2) lattice dynamics; (3) equation of state by G. Mie; (4) equation of state by E. Grüneisen; and (6) potential of interatomic interaction. Only the last theory in this list provides us with the equation describing correctly all features in the thermal expansion: (1) proportionality between thermal expansion and heat capacity; (2) various values of “plateau” for the coefficient of thermal expansion at temperatures close to Debye temperature; and (3) acceleration of the thermal expansion in the vicinity of melting point.