Transient heat transfer analysis and shape optimization of Chinese ceramic Gaiwan for improved thermal comfort

In Chinese tea culture, precise control of tea leaves steeping time is crucial during brewing. The thermodynamic properties of the ceramic Gaiwan directly affect the wall temperature of its handheld area. Based on the Chinese national standard Gaiwan, this study presented a comprehensive framework integrating experimental measurement, numerical simulation, and algorithmic optimization, as well as a coupled model of structural geometry, thermodynamic performance, and thermal comfort. Firstly, the profile contour of the Gaiwan was approximated by cubic uniform B-spline curves to construct a three-dimensional geometric model. Subsequently, the heat dissipation process was simulated with COMSOL Multiphysics to investigate the transient characteristics of the unsteady state temperature field of the ceramic Gaiwan. Simulation accuracy was experimentally validated. Next, a shape optimization method based on the genetic algorithm was introduced to optimize the contour curve of the Gaiwan's axial profile. Numerical calculations showed that the wall temperature in the handheld area of the optimized model was decreased by 12.43%. Finally, physical prototypes of both the benchmark and optimized models were fabricated via 3D printing technology for experimental validation. Comparative results indicated that the wall temperature in the handheld area of the optimized physical model was 28.51% lower than that of the benchmark model. This study significantly reduced the wall temperature in the handheld area of the ceramic Gaiwan, effectively avoiding the risk of burns due to excessive surface temperatures. Thus, it enhances the user experience for tea drinkers and provides scientific guidance for the manufacturing and production of the ceramic Gaiwan.