Underhood Thermal Performance Modeling

Background

As vehicle technology advances, automakers need a better understanding of underhood heat loads, especially as they relate to emissions and fuel efficiency. Manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles and off-road machines have similar concerns. Ineffective underhood thermal management can lead to higher emissions, reduced fuel efficiency, and damage to sensitive electronic components.

Role of High-Performance Computing

Advanced three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) computer models can simulate complex fluid flows and heat transfer in autos, trucks, and off-road machines. Automotive researchers are able to validate their computer modeling results on actual or emulated vehicles using comprehensive hardware-in-the loop expertise developed at Argonne National Laboratory’s Advanced Powertrain Research Facility.

Computational fluid dynamics methods are used to predict underhood thermal conditions that can affect vehicle and component performance and reliability.