1. What is Thermal Contact Resistance?

Definition: Thermal contact resistance is the temperature difference per unit of heat flux at the interface between two contacting surfaces.

Purpose: It helps engineers and scientists understand and quantify the heat transfer limitations at material interfaces.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( R \) — Thermal contact resistance (m² K/W)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference across the interface (K)
• \( q \) — Heat flux through the interface (W/m²)

Explanation: The resistance is calculated by dividing the temperature difference by the heat flux.

3. Importance of Thermal Contact Resistance

Details: Proper calculation is crucial for thermal management in electronics, heat exchangers, building insulation, and other applications where heat transfer between surfaces is important.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the temperature difference in Kelvin and heat flux in W/m². All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What causes thermal contact resistance?
A: It's caused by surface roughness, air gaps, and imperfect contact between surfaces.

Q2: How can I reduce thermal contact resistance?
A: Use thermal interface materials, increase contact pressure, or improve surface finish.

Q3: What are typical values for thermal contact resistance?
A: Values typically range from 10^-5 to 10^-3 m² K/W depending on materials and contact conditions.

Q4: Does this include bulk material resistance?
A: No, this calculates only the contact resistance at the interface.

Q5: How does surface roughness affect the result?
A: Rougher surfaces generally increase contact resistance due to reduced actual contact area.