Transient thermal contact of two semi-infinite bodies over a circular area

The transient heat conduction problem of the sudden contacting of two semi-infinite bodies is considered. Accurate analytical expressions are given for the average interface temperature for perfect contact. Both early and large times are covered; the early time expression is much more accurate than previously available. In addition the important and previously untreated case of imperfect contact is solved. The solutions are obtained utilizing a new method of solution called the Unsteady Surface Element (USE) Method. It is demonstrated that the method has considerable power for the solution of linear transient heat conduction problems involving contact between similar and dissimilar bodies.