Thermal contact refers to the interface between two materials through which heat is transferred, and its efficiency is determined by the thermal contact conductance. Factors such as surface roughness, material properties, and the presence of interstitial materials significantly affect the rate of heat transfer across this interface.

Thermal Contact

Thermal contact

interface between two materials

Heat transfer is the process by which thermal energy moves from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature. It occurs through three primary mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiation, each with distinct characteristics and applications.

heat transfer

thermal contact conductance

Surface roughness is a measure of the texture of a surface, characterized by the vertical deviations of a real surface from its ideal form. It is crucial in determining the performance and longevity of mechanical components, affecting friction, wear, and the ability to form a tight seal.

surface roughness

Material properties are the characteristics that define the behavior and performance of a material under various conditions, influencing its suitability for specific applications. These properties are determined by the material's composition, structure, and the interactions at the atomic or molecular level, and they are critical in fields such as engineering, manufacturing, and materials science.

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