Prediction of Thermal Contact Conductance in Vacuum Using Monte Carlo Simulation

Predictions of thermal contact conductance between two conforming e at surfaces in vacuum are carried out. Theprediction model considersheate owthrough thecontactzonesof asperitiesonthesurfacesby conduction.The probability of occurrence of contact between the surface asperities is evaluated using a Monte Carlo simulation. A Gaussian distribution of asperity heights on the surfaces, which has been validated earlier, is assumed. The distribution of these contact spots and their respective contact areas are determined in the model and used for evaluating the thermal contact conductance. Predictions are carried out for different materials at varying contact pressures in a vacuum environment. A wide range of surface characteristics is considered. The predictions show excellent agreement with the measured values of thermal contact conductance.