A multi-scale iterative approach for finite element modeling of thermal contact resistance
Name
232358027-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
16.6 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
b64d96beb4f4f8107cb8724120cca145
Author(s)
Thompson, Mary Kathryn, 1980-
Advisor(s)
Alexander H. Slocum.
Date Issued
2007
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Surface topography has long been considered a key factor in the performance of many contact applications including thermal contact resistance. However, essentially all analytical and numerical models of thermal contact resistance and thermal contact conductance either neglect surface topography or make simplifications and assumptions about the nature of the surface. This work combines measured surface geometry with an iterative thermal/structural finite element model to more accurately predict microscopic and macroscopic thermal contact resistance. A commercial power electronics module which exhibits both macroscopic surface form and micro scale surface roughness is analyzed using three different macro scale surface models to verify the accuracy of the model and to demonstrate the impact of geometric surface assumptions. Finally, the factors influencing the thermal/structural behavior of bolted plates are examined and recommendations for reducing both contact resistance and the overall thermal resistance of bolted plate systems are presented.
Description
Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2007.
This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.
Includes bibliographical references.
Subjects
Mechanical Engineering.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
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copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but
reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written
permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.
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