The mechanical behavior of wires subjected to axial loading and experiencing bending deformation is used to ensure effective control of the contact pressure in mechanical and/or heat removing devices, and similar structures and systems. An apparatus for taking advantage of the characteristics of wires in packaging of a device, such as a semiconductor device, is disclosed, as well as a test device for identifying the accurate contact pressure required in same. Methods for the prediction of such a behavior for pre-buckling, buckling, and post-buckling conditions in wires, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and similar wire-grid-array (WGA) structures, for example are also disclosed.