Simulation of air flow under the hood of a passenger car using computational fluid dynamics

Abstract

In this study, a method to solve the passing air flow through under-hood by finite volume method is discussed. The flow field existing around a car or passing through it is going to play an important role from different viewpoints. Lateral flow has an important role in fuel consumption, lower emissions, directional sustainability and the wind sound. On the other hand, the internal flow is important from the viewpoint of the good performance of heating systems, air conditioning systems for reducing the temperature of components and thus increasing the life and better performance of components and also engine cooling systems. The study of internal flow is the subject under consideration in the present study. The ultimate goal of this study is to improve the performance of the engine cooling system and decrease the temperature of the components in the space under the hood. In order to achieve the demands, a commercial CFD code for the simulation of air flow under the hood of a passenger car is utilized and finally the method and results of this study are shown. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2013.