Radiator design

[clutchdust]

Just curious to know if there is an engineering difference between cross flow and down flow radiator designs. I know GM has been a fan of cross flow for decades but many of the import manufacturers still use down flow. Apparently, neither design is clearly superior or they both wouldn't exist.

 

[turtlevette]

. Apparently, neither design is clearly superior or they both wouldn't exist.

That makes me chuckle. In my business do you know how many times i've heard "That's the way we've always done it."

I would think the design that is more reliable, ie less prone to flow failure from blockages or steam/air pockets would be the one i'd choose.

 

[mrvette]

. Apparently, neither design is clearly superior or they both wouldn't exist.

That makes me chuckle. In my business do you know how many times i've heard "That's the way we've always done it."

I would think the design that is more reliable, ie less prone to flow failure from blockages or steam/air pockets would be the one i'd choose.

I have NO idea which is better for automobiles, BUT, from the NDT work we did for the nuclear power industry, in heat exchangers, they were all cross flow.....

I know nothing other than that observation....

:twitch::surrender:

BUT, I would imagine a vertical flow would be better, assuming a decent flow and amount of coolant....

 

[greg75vette]

I'm curious to the answer as well. Down flow could potentially allow the hot fluid to rise, making it more efficient, but I would think cross flow is better for packaging. But either design clearly works and works well.