Analysis of thermal interface resistivity of a helix TWT slow-wave structure

The thermal interface resistivity (TIR) of the helix slow-wave structure (SWS) is studied theoretically and experimentally. The effects of the TIRs at different interfaces on heat dissipation capability of the SWS have been analyzed and compared using ANSYS. The TIRs at the helix-rod interface and the rod-barrel interface have been calculated respectively with the developed equations and the measured component temperatures, considering the temperature- -dependent material properties. The effects of the rod material and the assembly method on the TIRs of the SWS were analyzed and compared.