Develop Solderability and welding heat source of the Kovar/Ag interconnector based on finite element simulation

The solar cells connect in an array by the interconnector. Spacecraft working in the Low Earth Orbits are suitable for Kovar/Ag interconnector to resist atomic oxygen attack. However, since the resistivity and thermal conductivity of kovar are far worse than silver, the welding between it and solar cell become very difficult. By establishing a finite element simulation model, this paper proves the weld-ability of kovar / Ag; and proves that it can form a good solder joint with the solar cell through experiments; finally, combining the finite element model and experiment, it is proved the heat is generated by the current flowing through the solder joint.