Thermal-mechanical models for non-conforming surface contacts

Thermal and mechanical models for contact, gap and joint resistances are presented for non-conforming, smooth hemi-spherical surfaces. The spreading/constriction resistance relation is applicable for light mechanical loads, and the gap resistance relation was developed for gap substances such as gases, liquids and greases. The joint resistance of the interface formed by a silicon chip and a smaller aluminum heat sink was developed and an illustrative example typical of microelectronic applications was presented.