Title: Rapid simulation methodology for under-hood aero/thermal management

Authors: James Y. Jan, Kumar Srinivasan, Richard L. Sun, Mark E. Gleason

Addresses: CFD Research Corporation, 215,Wynn Drive, Hunstsville, AL 35805, USA. DaimlerChrysler Corporation, 800 Chrysler Drive, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA. DaimlerChrysler Corporation, 800 Chrysler Drive, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA. DaimlerChrysler Corporation, 800 Chrysler Drive, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA

Abstract: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has witnessed significant advances in the last half decade making it applicable to a wide range of problems in the automotive industry. The advent of unstructured grid technology, improved physical modelling capabilities such as phase change, radiation etc., have contributed to the increased use of CFD in automotive applications. In spite of the use of unstructured grids, the area of under-hood airflow and thermal simulation still requires significant amounts of time for grid generation. The paper describes a new approach which uses a Cartesian based grid system that allows for generating completed under-hood meshes within 2-3 days. In addition, discussion about using a local (body fitted grid) model to address thermal issues is presented. This represents an optimal combination of tools to obtain useful information for making engineering design decisions.

Keywords: under-hood aero/thermal management; CFD; cartesian; radiation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2000.001886

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2000 Vol.23 No.1/2, pp.109-123

Published online: 18 Aug 2003 *

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