Heat conduction between bodies with wavy surfaces

Abstract Theoretical treatment is provided for the conductive heat transfer between two solids with wavy surfaces. The problem is set in two dimensions, and it is assumed that the surface profiles are purely sinusoidal and deformations elastic. It is also assumed that heat is transmitted only where there is solid to solid contact, and there is no resistance due to contamination of the surfaces. The temperature problem is solved exactly, but deformations are treated by relying on the results due to Hertz. The expression derived for the constriction resistance exhibits a directional effect. It is also shown that perfectly flat surfaces may become wavy, as heat is transmitted from one body to another.