Car Radiator as a Heat Exchanger

The car radiator process​ uses convective heat transfer, followed by conductive heat transfer and then again with convective heat transfer. These transfers depend on many factors and constants mentioned above. A car radiator highlights many different aspects of transport phenomena, specifically heat transfer, which is utilized in everyday life. Created by Michael Bagwell, Lauren Newbourgh, John Simonelli, Meghan Vander Woude

[@feryelhamdi3783]

thank you so much! well explained

[@drewbucher4210]

What type of heat exchanger would a car radiator fall into? Plate? Shell and Tube? Something else?

[@marymackjones-harris5301]

Is it a good idea to install a new thermostat when not having heat does not come out but cool air does in a 2006 Buick?

[@pl747]

Wonder about how many btu's an average car radiator would produce with 120F water?

[@supermarioisacat]

Technically speaking, a radiator doesn't produce energy, it _dissipates_ energy. Furthermore, your question can't be answered without providing a mass flow rate for water and air, inlet/outlet temps, radiator dimensions, etc.

[@jordanalcocercorona2342]

How does the fin impact the heat transfer

[@supermarioisacat]

Fins provide more surface area for the heat to spread, allowing more contact for passing air to absorb energy. Generally speaking, the more fins the better, up to a limit. It's a balance. More fins increase cost of manufacture and too many restrict airflow, _reducing_ efficiency.