Engineering surfaces are never absolutely smooth when viewed under a microscope. Thus, an interface made up of two such surfaces at light load can be seen as having few discrete points, separated by large gaps, resulting in temperature drop at the contact. Engineering applications of contact surfaces include industries such as, aerospace, electronics, insulations, nuclear, etc. Accurate prediction and control of the resistance at the joint thus is a necessity. This paper reviews recent advances on joint thermal contact conductance. Topics covered include recent experimental analysis of joint conductance. The paper concludes with recommendations for future work for enhancement of contact conductance.

interface, thermal contact conductance, temperature.