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This paper describes an experimental and numerical investigation studying the steady-state flow generated by a SI-engine intake port on a water analogue test rig. The experimental method utilised was Digital Particle Image Velocimetry(DPIV) which allows the rapid measurement of large areas of the flow. The velocity fields were measured in several planes of a cylindrical glass test section under the intake port. A three dimensional CFD analysis was conducted to numerically determine the flow in the test rig. The goal of the study was to compare and evaluate the results of both methods in order to determine their respective validity and limitations. The theory and procedures used for both the experimental and numerical methods are discussed in detail. A comparison of the resulting flow structures from the DPIV measurements and the CFD analysis showed good qualitative and quantitative agreement between the two methods.

Headlights manufactures in the automotive industry make a large usage of polymers and plastic materials addressing important issues such as thermal stress control and water condensation on the inner surfaces of the headlamp as important factors for headlight design. In this paper, an innovative simulation methodology to calculate thermal distribution in automotive headlights is illustrated. With this method radiation is accurately calculated by means of a dedicated software whereas conductive and convective heat transfer is calculated by means of a general CFD code. A condensation model has also been developed and utilized with the CFD code to investigate the effect of forced convection flow through the headlight vents on water film evaporation. CFD results have been validated against measured headlight wall temperatures and flow velocities showing an encouraging degree of agreement.