Search Results

The Objective of this paper is to explain a procedure for using Arbitrary Shape Deformation (ASD) technology coupled with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software for product development of a generic catalytic converter inlet-cone diffuser. The paper uses the development of an inlet-cone diffuser as an example of such a process. The non-uniformities of the flow field at the inlet of the catalytic converter bricks are considered to have a negative impact on the converter performance. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a powerful tool for computing the flow field in the exhaust system and the catalytic converter which enables the engineers to optimize the geometry of the inlet cone at a very early design stage. The goal of this study is to optimize the shape of an inlet-cone diffuser upstream of a catalytic converter to reduce the pressure drop and maximize the uniformity of exhaust gas distribution on the catalytic converter inlet.

This paper evaluates the interaction between three design variables of a conventional extruded heat sink used for automotive audio systems in a passive convection environment. A 3-level Design of Experimentation (DOE) methodology, with a center point design, is utilized to quantify the non-linear behavior and the interaction effects between three design variables of the heat sink. A full factorial analysis of 27 CAE runs is employed to begin the DOE analysis. A second order non-linear response function is developed, using an estimated regression coefficient, that's used to optimize the heat sink design. The second-order quadratic model that includes the 2-way linear interactions between design variables is proven to be the model of choice that can characterizes the heat sink temperature more effectively and accurately.