Powertrain Cooling Simulation

GT-SUITE provides advanced simulation capabilities for powertrain cooling and vehicle energy management

Powertrain CoolingPREDICTIVE THERMAL MODELING

GT-SUITE powertrain cooling models can be used to predict heat rejection to coolant, oil, and ambient, before engine hardware is available for physical testing.  

These models utilize a built-in finite element cylinder structure for more accurate predictions of heat distribution through the engine structure. Powertrain cooling models integrated with other vehicle systems can also be used to analyze engine warm-up and fuel economy during transient drive cycles. Construction of GT-SUITE engine thermal models is enhanced by powerful 3D tools for converting CAD geometry into GT models. 

The flexible range of fidelity provides an ideal simulation environment for system design, component selection, and controls optimization.

Powertrain CoolingAPPLICATION HIGHLIGHTS

  • Easy-to-use parametric finite element cylinder structure transfers heat from combustion gas to the coolant and oil circuits 
  • Liquid circuits and thermal masses built semi-automatically from 3D CAD data 
  • Flow solution is based on Navier-Stokes equations and is stable with zero flow to support thermostat valve modeling and advanced warm-up strategies
  • Always solves energy equation (thermo-hydraulics)
  • Heat distribution model is easy to integrate with full vehicle models for transient drive cycle analysis 

Advanced Features

  • Accurately account for interactions between engine cooling system, thermal structure, and combustion chamber 
  • Built-in FE solver predicts engine structure temperatures, steady state and transient 
  • Predicts engine thermal balance by detailed modeling of conduction paths between all heat sources and sinks 
  • Predicts heat rejection to coolant, oil and ambient 
  • Study the potential fuel savings associated with concepts for more efficient warmup of engine fluids and structure 
  • Parametric finite element cylinder available for easy model setup 
  • Custom finite element meshes of the engine components can be used for more detailed analysis 
  • No extra cost, included in every GT-SUITE license 

Ready to learn more about GT’s simulation capabilities?

Reach out to us with questions about our technology or to discuss your current simulation needs.

Ready to learn more about GT’s simulation capabilities?

Reach out to us with questions about our technology or to discuss your current simulation needs.