UWE Bristol Engineering showcase 2015

David Dobinson
Meng Mechanical Engineering
Rachel Szadziewska
Optimisation of the Airflow Characteristics within Bike Radiators
Simulation of Simplified Model
A simplified model was generated
through the application of numerical
solutions. Once simulated through CFD
visualisations displayed the pressure
and velocity recorded. The velocity
visualisation displays an approaching
velocity of 30m/s resembling the
motorcycle travelling at 60mph. From
the simplified model results it could be
seen that due to the pressure drop an
increase in velocity is increased
through the fin passages. A small
boundary layer is also displayed
particularly on the bottom of the fin
passages which reduced the heat
transfer efficiency. Research suggests
that if an increase in velocity is
obtained through the fins an increase
will be achieved within the heat
transfer dissipation rate.
Final Radiator Design
Through the investigation many
features and geometry structures
were tested leading up to the final
design. From the visualisations
displayed an increase in velocity
through the fin passages has been
achieved. The radiators structure
was adapted with the addition of a
change to the overall geometry,
converging fin passages, stagnation
point reduction and a nozzle
feature. Through the investigation
it was leant that by increasing the
pressure drop from the inlet and
outlet of the fin passages the a
higher velocity is obtained. The
graphs below display the average
velocity and pressure recorded
compared against the basic
radiator model. From the graphs a
velocity increase of 7m/s has been
induced within the radiator due to
the new design features being
applied.
Project summary
An investigation has been undertaken into the
optimisation of the airflow characteristics through a
motorcycle radiator. An understanding into how
airflow is controlled and the desired characteristics
has allowed for the development of a radiators design
for sufficient heat transfer. Efficient heat transfer can
be achieved through the application of exterior
features but due to a motorcycles space and weight
restrictions within the frame, exterior features are
undesirable. An investigation has been undertaken
into how the radiators geometry can be adapted
within its interior structure for the optimisation of the
airflow.
Project Objectives
The project shall investigate into the behaviour of
airflow characteristics within a radiator system. This
shall provide an understanding into how airflow is
controlled and the desired characteristics required for
sufficient heat transfer through a wall surface. This
will enable the geometry conditions for controlling
airflow being applied to innovative designs for
experimental testing. Current developments within
the manufacturing industry shall provide in-depth
knowledge into the possibilities of manufacturing
complex designs for the development of future
radiator systems.
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Length (m)
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Velocity (m/s)
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Length (m)
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Pressure (Pa)
Basic
Model
Second
Final
Design
Project Conclusion
Computer aided software enabled the numerical
approach for analysing airflow behaviour through an
array of different innovative designs collecting data
through visualisations and graphs. The innovative
designs were based from research investigating the
main features inducing different airflow behaviours
along with manufacturing processes available for
producing complex designs. The research was taken
forward and through airflow management an
increased performance within a simplified radiator
system was achieved.