The surface temperature of contact elements is one of the most important factors that influences the performance and life of tribological systems. Heat-pipe cooling seems to be a promising means for enhanced heat transfer. The heat input at the surface and the heat pipe as a heat sink represent a system of heat source/heat sink (HSHS). In this paper, the function of the heat pipe is mathematically described and the heat-transfer characteristics of the HSHS system are investigated. A semi-empirical model is developed to shed some light on the surface flash temperature control employing the HSHS system. Both steady-state and transient analyses show that heat pipes can be employed to reduce the flash temperature effectively. The possibility of applying this concept to composite materials is also analyzed.Presented at the 52nd Annual Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri May 18–22, 1997