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The purpose of this study was to find factors to improve the performance of louvered fins through visualization of air flow in the louvered portion of the fins. As part of this study, three dimensional enlarged models were used to visualize and examine the basic flow in the fins. Also, more complicated flows induced by bend configuration (or inclination of fins), which are caused by large fin pitch, have been visualized and examined. The latter flow pattern could not be observed in two dimensional models.

These days the alignment of radiator and condenser in the vehicle front is the major trend. Due to this alignment, the radiator characteristics are one-sidedly affected by condenser radiating heat, which will cause deterioration in the engine cooling performance at high engine speed and high heat load vehicle operation when air conditioning (A/C) capacity becomes excess. Studies were made on the effects that condenser operation have on radiator characteristics. Results showed that controlling the condenser operation characteristics will provide improved A/C and engine cooling performance in the vehicle system. This paper will discuss the details of the above-mentioned analyses with focus on the vehicle characteristics of front engine, front drive (FF) vehicles and the results of vehicle proving tests.