Solid-solid thermal contact problems: current understanding

The past 40 years of theoretical and experimental research on contact heat transfer are reviewed. Thermophysical and mechanical processes involved in heat flow propagation through various kinds of solid-solid joints are considered. Analytical and semiempirical expressions are presented, which simulate these processes both under vacuum conditions and in the presence of a heat-conducting medium in gaps. Reasons for the experimentally examined heat flux rectification are explained. Studies on thermal contact under a nonstationary regime are covered, as is the possibility of applying classical heat conduction theory to describing the contact thermal properties. A thermodynamic interpretation of the thermal contact resistance is suggested and basic approaches to the study of contact phenomena are described. The heat conduction in nanosystems is briefly reviewed. Theoretical problems yet to be solved are pointed out and possible solution methods suggested.