What method is used to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction?

The method that effectively addresses thermal expansion or contraction is cold alignment. This approach is used to set the positions of machinery components while they are at a lower temperature, before they undergo thermal changes during operation.

By performing cold alignment, technicians ensure that when the equipment heats up, the resulting expansion does not lead to misalignment, which can cause excessive wear, vibrations, and failure. It is particularly important in scenarios where machinery experiences significant changes in temperature, as proper alignment minimizes the risks associated with thermal movements.

In contrast, dynamic alignment refers to the alignment of machines while they are operating, which does not accommodate thermal effects occurring when the machines are not running. Static alignment, on the other hand, is conducted with the machinery at rest but does not specifically address changes due to temperature. Similarly, intermittent alignment is not a standard term associated directly with thermal adjustment, focusing instead on other alignment contexts.