The development of a simple semi-empirical method to obtain a predictive model of the convective heat loss of a solid surface of practical machine size by finite difference and experimentation

Machine structure deformation due to temperature profiles within the materials affects the accuracy in precision machines. Heat loss through convection causes temperature variation in the machine structure. In order to accurately predict the temperature profile, the convection coefficient value used in the thermal model plays an important role. It varies in a wide range in the transient state of the thermal analysis. This work attempts to develop a simple method to obtain a model to predict the convective heat loss. This model can be used in another thermal model for temperature profile prediction of a solid mass. The method will capture the variation of convection coefficient values in relation to surface temperature, and different velocity of the moving solid surface. Using the finite difference and the experimental data, it is possible to obtain a predictive model of the convective heat loss of any solid mass.