Development of analytical capabilities for the design of integrated automotive radiator-fan assemblies

摘要

The objective of this work is to apply Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) techniques to the analysis of automotive cooling systems aerodynamics. The investigations were conducted on a passenger vehicle mounted in a large-scale wind tunnel and both sets of results are compared at several locations upstream and downstream of the cooling module to assess qualitative correlation. The flow field around the cooling module is highly three-dimensional. Deficits as high as 50% of the free-stream value were observed for the axial velocity along vertical traverses of the domain, upstream of the heat-exchangers. In the engine compartment, the fan-exhaust region also presents strong cross-flow patterns.