Calculation of Heat Transfer Coefficients Across an Electronic Box Bare Interface Using a Finite Element Approach

A method of calculating heat transfer coefficients across a bare bolted interface was developed using a finite element approach. Using an interface that represented an electronic box attached to a spacecraft mounting surface, contact pressures were analytically predicted and used to determine heat transfer coefficients. The resulting values were compared to similar predictions made using a finite difference approach and to experimental data. The predictions obtained from the finite element approach agreed well with the finite difference predictions and provided insight regarding the interface areas that conduct heat efficiently.