A multi-scale iterative approach for finite element modeling of thermal contact resistance
Author(s)
Thompson, Mary Kathryn, 1980-
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Other Contributors
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.
Advisor
Alexander H. Slocum.
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Show full item recordAbstract
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.
Date issued
2007Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical EngineeringPublisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Keywords
Mechanical Engineering.