Abstract
Proper underhood airflow management of road vehicles has two distinct objectives, viz. ensure the required cooling performance of the heat exchangers, and minimize the cooling drag component of the total vehicle drag. From the radiator performance perspective, there are distinct concerns according to the vehicle speeds. At highway speeds, the flow rate and flow-distributions over the radiator surface are the major operating parameters influencing the performance of a radiator. However, at low vehicle speeds, a phenomenon detrimental to the A/C system performance, called the underhood hot air recirculation, may occur. The cooling airflow not only causes drag directly, the interaction of under-body flow with other vehicle components may lead to more interference drag. This paper presents computational studies to investigate underhood airflow features associated with radiator performance and cooling drag. Additionally, analysis of the impact of the front grille opening size and underhood passive aerodynamic devices on the cooling drag and radiator performance are presented based on full vehicle CFD simulations carried out using a model of Hyundai Veloster. It is demonstrated in this study that by properly manipulating the cooling airflow pattern, simultaneous improvement of radiator performance and total vehicle drag can be achieved.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
