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A model to predict the effect of the radiator core and ambient conditions on the performance of the cooling system of a rally car

A mathematical model which predicts the cooling system performance for a rally car is derived in this study. A case study vehicle was made available by a local manufacturer for evaluation of the cooling system. Two heat exchangers compatible for the vehicle were tested in a controlled wind tunnel environment to determine its heat transfer characteristics. Including the relationship between fluid flows and vehicle speed, a function resulted through which the cooling system performance can be predicted. Including the heat generated by the engine to be dissipated by the cooling system and the effect of ambient conditions on heat generated and dissipated, an energy balance results. Using the energy balance a contour plot is generated which predicts the suitability of the heat exchanger at various ambient conditions. The tool thus allows the user to assess the cooling system on the day of the race, highlighting whether the required cooling will be achieved. / Dissertation (MEng(Mechanical))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering / unrestricted

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:up/oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/23981
Date17 April 2007
CreatorsLaubscher, Franciscus Xavierus
ContributorsProf J A Visser, Prof D G Kroger, elsabe.olivier@up.c.za
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeDissertation
Rights© 2006, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.

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