The Effect Of Thermal Expansion And Contraction On The Mating Of Cold-pressed Pins And Terminal Blocks

During the assembly of the terminal block, there is a micron-level mechanical interference fit between the metal female crimp contact and the hole wall. Thermal expansion and contraction caused by temperature fluctuations induce stress changes in the mating area, and this thermomechanical behavior is one of the factors that must be considered in connector engineering design.

Alternating high and low temperatures cause the terminal material and surrounding structure to expand and contract. This dynamic deformation creates fretting wear and changes in contact pressure at the contact interface. Especially after a large number of cycles, this cumulative effect can gradually change the fit, resulting in the phenomenon of male crimp contact loosening inside the terminal block.