Answer
Groove deformation occurs when the thrust load $P$ exceeds the compressive yield strength of the groove material, typically seen in aluminum or soft steel housings. Diagnosis involves inspecting the groove after disassembly; a 'rolled' or flared edge indicates that the ring tilted under load, causing localized plastic flow. To prevent this, engineers can increase the groove depth $d$, use a hardened steel shim between the ring and the loaded component to distribute pressure, or specify a ring with a larger radial wall to increase the contact area. The calculation for the maximum thrust load based on groove yield is $P_{max} = (D \cdot d \cdot \pi \cdot \sigma_{yield}) / K$, where $K$ is a safety factor (typically $2.0$ for static and $4.0$ for dynamic loads).
