Quantitative research on convective heat transfer characteristics in deep groove structures

Purpose Convective heat transfer is a crucial thermal behavior of key components with deep groove structures in industrial lubrication and tribology. However, current solutions for convective heat transfer coefficients primarily rely on empirical formulas and lack quantitative research methods. The purpose of this paper is to explore a quantitative method for solving the convective heat transfer performance of deep groove structures. Design/methodology/approach A decomposition approach to thermal processes was used, combining experimental and theoretical methods along with multi-point temperature measurements to solve for the convective heat transfer coefficients of deep groove structures. Findings This research reveals the heat transfer laws of deep groove structures. Deep groove structures enhance the convective heat transfer due to the eddy in the grooves. The convective heat transfer coefficients in the groove area are larger than those in the nongroove area, and coefficients in the groove boundary area are larger than those in the groove surface area. Reliable data sets and analytical expressions of convective heat transfer coefficients in groove area and nongroove area are obtained. Originality/value This research offers effective methodologies and accurate convective heat transfer coefficients for thermal calculations in critical components such as seals and bearings, while also supporting performance design in these components. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2025-0029/