Abstract

In this study, we aim to analyze the effects of both contact layer properties and surface roughness on contact resistance. The contact has a great influence on performance in terms of electrical conduction and heat transfer. The two biggest factors determining contact resistance are the presence of surface roughness and the surface layer. For this reason we calculated the contact resistance by considering both factors simultaneously. The model of this study to calculate contact resistance is as follows. First, the three representative surface parameters for the GW model are obtained by Nayak's random process. Then, the apparent contact area, real contact area, and contact number of asperities are calculated using the GW model with the surface parameters. The contact resistance of a single surface layer is calculated using Mikic's constriction equation. The total contact resistance is approximated by the parallel connection between the same asperity contact resistances. The results of this study are as follows. The appropriate thickness with reduction effect for contact resistance is determined according to the difference in conductivity between the base layer and surface layer. It was confirmed that the standard deviation of surface roughness has the greatest influence on surface roughness parameters. The results of this study will be useful for selecting the surface material and surface roughness when the design considering the contact resistance is needed.