Electrical Conductivity and Friction Force Estimation in Compliant Electrical Connectors

The electrical conductivity and friction force of a compliant curved beam loaded by a rigid flat surface which simulate electrical connectors in high-tech applications is analyzed. Both the elastic deformation of the curved beam and elastic-plastic deformation of the asperities are considered. The effects of the applied load, the surface hardness and roughness as well as the beam geometry on the electrical conductivity and friction are investigated. It is found that the electrical conductivity is insensitive to changes in the beamís geometry like its angular span and slender ratio. Surface roughness and hardness affect both electrical conductivity and friction.