The Oil Cooling Problem in Aircraft Engines

Abstract

The increase in the specific power output of aircraft engines has generally resulted in the need of lubricating oil radiators in aircraft engine installations. This paper discusses the effect of oil temperatures on engine performance and reliability. The temperature rise in the lubricating oil which determines the requirement for oil radiators is shown to be affected by the engine operating conditions. Test results are described which show how the heat dissipated to the lubricating oil is affected by engine speed, horsepower output , oil inlet temperature , cylinder jacket tempera ture and specific fuel consumption. The results of these tests indicate tha t engine speed and oil inlet temperature have the greatest effect on oil temperature rise and therefore determine the requirements for the oil radiator.