This paper is one of a series dealing with the surface temperature conditions in disks and gears. It attempts to apply and extend the theory proposed in an earlier paper which predicted the behavior of the surface temperature of machine elements subjected to repeated frictional contacts. In considering the critical temperature hypothesis proposed by Blok as a criterion for failure by scuffing, it is essential that the operating surface temperature is taken into account in addition to the well known “flash temperature.” There have been many papers referrinq to this “flash temperature,” but little is known of the factors which affect the operating surface temperature, commonly called the bulk temperature. This paper demonstrates that the bulk temperature growth under loaded conditions can be predicted theoretically, and that by observing the behavior of the surface temperature the heat transfer coefficient and friction conditions can be calculated. Finally full details of the thermocouple used by the authors in their tests are given.Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the Lubrication Conference held in Minneapolis, Minesota, October 18–20, 1966.