Cooling Airflow Simulation for Passenger Cars using Detailed Underhood Geometry

Document Number: 2006-01-3478

Date Published: October 2006

Author(s):
Ales Alajbegovic - Exa Corporation

Abstract:
Air flow in the underhood area is the primary source of engine cooling. A quick look at the vehicle underhood reveals exceptionally complex geometry. In addition to the engine, there are fans, radiator, condenser, other heat exchangers and components. The air flow needs to have adequate access to all relevant parts that require cooling. Due to complex geometry, the task to ensure sufficient air cooling is not a simple one. The air flow entering from the front grille is affected by many components on its path through the underhood. Even small geometry details affect the flow direction and can easily cause recirculation regions which reduce the cooling efficiency. Therefore, air cooling flow analysis requires detailed treatment of the underhood geometry and at the same time accurate air flow modelling. Recent advances in the lattice-Boltzmann equation (LBE) modelling are allowing both. Presented is analysis of air-cooling flow over a passenger vehicle, Land Rover LR3, that includes detailed external and underhood geometry. Simulations were performed using PowerFLOW, an LBE-based flow solver. Shown are flow structures that form at 95 km/h and their effect on the overall cooling flow rate and coolant temperatures in the heat exchangers.

File Size: 1134K
Product Status: In Stock

See other papers presented at SAE 2006 Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress & Exhibition, October 2006, Rosemont, IL, USA, Session: Vehicle Integration/Thermal Management

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