An inverse algorithm for contact heat conduction problems with an interfacial heat source based on a first-order thermocouple model.

Inverse problems of contact heat conduction with an interfacial heat source are common in various fields of science, engineering and technology. In this study, an algorithm for their solution is developed based on an inverse parametric optimisation method with an impulse response function describing the heat partition and contact heat transfer. A first-order thermocouple model with a time constant parameter is embedded in the impulse response function. The specific power of the heat source is sought in the form of a polynomial from the condition of least-squares deviation of the simulated temperature from the temperature samples obtained by a thermocouple. Compared to the classical methods of simple inverse convolution and sequential function specification, the algorithm proves to be accurate in a substantially larger region of variation of the heating duration and time constant, covering slow-response thermocouple measurements. Additionally, the algorithm is significantly more robust against noise with a sufficient number of temperature samples. The applicability of the algorithm is demonstrated by solving inverse problems of contact heat conduction typical for sliding friction, laser and electric resistance welding at different thermal contact conditions and ratios of the time constant to the heating duration. • The proposed algorithm solves inverse problems of contact heat conduction. • The algorithm is accurate for slow-response thermocouple measurements. • The algorithm is noise robust with a sufficient number of temperature samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]