Fractal model of thermal contact conductance of rough surfaces based on elliptical asperity

Purpose The purpose of this study is to present a fractal model of thermal contact conductance of rough surfaces based on elliptical asperity. Design/methodology/approach The effects of contact load, fractal dimensional, fractal roughness and eccentricity on thermal contact conductance of rough surfaces were investigated by using numerical simulation. Findings The results indicate that the thermal contact conductance of rough surfaces increases with the increase of the contact load, increases with the increase of the fractal dimension and decreases with the increase of the fractal roughness. The thermal contact conductance of rough surfaces increases with the increase of eccentricity. The shape of the asperity of rough surfaces has an important influence on the thermal contact conductance of rough surfaces. Originality/value A fractal model of thermal contact conductance of rough surfaces based on elliptical asperity was established in this study. The achievements of this study provide some theoretical basis for the investigation of thermal contact conductance of bolted joint surfaces.