Heat is something we all feel, whether it’s a hot summer day or the warmth given off by a phone or laptop.
But beyond discomfort, heat can cause invisible damage—to our health, to materials, and to the systems we rely on every day.
Measuring this damage has always been difficult, but new research is shedding light on just how serious the problem is.
Dr. Jude Osara, an assistant professor at the Faculty of Engineering Technology, has developed a new scientific framework to measure the hidden toll of heat.
His work, published in Applied Mechanics, introduces the concept of microstructurothermal (MST) degradation—damage caused by heat to the microscopic structures inside materials and systems.
This new approach reveals that heat is not just an unwanted side effect of energy use. Instead, it actively harms performance and shortens lifespans.
“My calculations show that heat is not just a by-product, but an active mechanism that impairs performance and accelerates degradation,” Dr. Osara explained.
The findings have wide-reaching implications.
For example, elite cyclists training in hot conditions of 32°C showed a 27% higher cardiovascular load compared to training at a cooler 23°C, meaning their hearts had to work much harder.
Similarly, in lithium-ion batteries—the kind found in electric vehicles and electronics—nearly 40% of capacity loss was linked to microstructural thermal degradation. In other words, heat directly reduces how long a battery lasts.
Dr. Osara’s framework has also been applied to bearings, lubricating grease, and other everyday systems where heat slowly erodes performance. The evidence points to one conclusion: heat management is not optional, it is essential.
The urgency of this research becomes even clearer when viewed in a global context. According to the United Nations, electricity consumption for cooling is expected to double by 2040.
That means the demand for air conditioners, refrigeration, and other cooling systems will rise dramatically, putting more strain on energy supplies and the environment. If scientists, engineers, and doctors can better understand how heat damages systems—from the human body to machines—they can design smarter technologies and strategies to limit this impact.
By giving researchers a new way to quantify heat damage, Dr. Osara’s work opens the door to more efficient designs, better cooling methods, and longer-lasting materials.
Ultimately, tackling the hidden threat of heat could improve not only our comfort but also the sustainability of the systems that keep our modern world running.
