Investigation of coolant flow distribution and the effects of cavitation on water pump performance in an automotive cooling system |
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| Authors: | Kibum Kim Kyumin Hwang Kihyung Lee Kwansoo Lee |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University, 1271 Sa 1‐dong, Sangnok‐gu, Ansan‐si, Gyeonggi‐do, 426‐791, Republic of Korea;2. Graduate School of Hanyang University, 1271 Sa 1‐dong, Ansan, Gyeonggi‐do, 426‐791, Republic of Korea;3. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University, 17 Hangdang‐dong, Sungdong‐gu, Seoul, 133‐070, Republic of Korea |
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| Abstract: | Cavitation is a well‐known phenomenon that causes performance losses in all kinds of hydraulic machinery, including automotive water pumps. The present study uses a coolant flow test rig to investigate cavitation in water pumps. The coolant flow rate was measured for various coolant temperatures and compositions. This study validates that cavitation occurs during the coolant warm‐up period, in which coolant temperature is typically below 80°C. Cavitation was also related to a drop in the water pump inlet pressure and driving torque. Based on the results from this study, it can be concluded that cavitation is affected by coolant temperature, engine speed, and coolant composition. Furthermore, it is found that the use of an electric water pump is effective for minimizing the pressure drop and driving loss of the pump. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
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| Keywords: | cavitation coolant flow engine warm‐up water pump |
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