EVOLUTION of automobile radiators is recounted step by step from the primitive water-pipe types to those in use today. Pertinent heat-transfer principles are given to show cause for various changes. The effects of larger engines, higher speeds, quieter operation, are discussed fully.
Poor water-jacket design is blamed for a multitude of cooling-system troubles, such as warped valves, valve seats, and cylinder bores, and it is believed that these troubles could be eliminated largely on the drawing board by the water-jacket designer.
A special test apparatus, called a “dissipator” and built expressly for testing radiators, is described. Considerable space is devoted to test procedure and discussion of test results on hexagon-core, fin-and-tube core, double-center core, and a new vee-type radiator for different depths, air speeds, and frontal areas. In addition, tests made on a full-sized wind tunnel are discussed and interpreted.
Comparisons of water-to-water and oil-to-water methods of dissipating heat are made for both turbulent and non-turbulent types of flow.
