Thermal contact resistance: Experiment versus theory

With a knowledge of the thermal resistance value associated with an asperit y, a model for the thermal contact resistance of a given interface is obtai ned by considering that each asperity of surfaces in contact is a flux tube . Calculation of any of the thermal conductances depends on the contact rad ius of each asperity. This radius increases with load, as asperities are co mpressed. Contact area is calculated for a plastic load. Values of thermal contact conductance (or resistance) are compared with experimental results.