Energetic and CFD Modeling Considerations of
Thermal Management
Thomas Gielda
Visteon Inc., USA
An up front CAE coupling of tools is described which provides for routine
thermal flow analysis of vehicle powertrain cooling systems for a variety of
vehicle shapes and sizes. A family of parametric models is generated using
Pro/E which allows for flexible representation of a variety of vehicle classes
with accurate thermal flow analyses. The parametric CAD models are
morphed to model the important flow features in a relatively complex
underhood vehicle model. Some detailed modeling is often added to the
generic parametric model for flexibility in modeling important unique details.
All tetrahedra meshes are generated automatically from the CAD model using
Simmetrix software. High aspect ratio elements are layered near appropriate
surfaces for appropriate modeling of shear layers. Templates are used for
exporting the mesh and flow simulation parameters to the flow solver,
AcuSolve. An unsteady, incompressible air flow with energy equation and
Spalart-Almaras turbulence model is used underhood and around the vehicle
with simple heat exchanger models and coupled radiation. The flow through
grille opening elements is modeled with detailed surfaces and appropriate grid
resolution of flow. An adaptation technique using an a posteriori approach is
demonstrated. Comparison to test data shows good correlation for a variety of
steady and unsteady cases.