The radiator in today’s internal combustion engine has many functions in addition to its primary job of cooling the engine. The name “radiator” is a misnomer since its function is that of a heat exchanger that transfers heat by means of forced convection.
Considerations involved in radiator design depend upon functions performed by the radiator, space available for its installation, the environment in which it must operate, and basic economics. Presented in this paper are design details pertaining to methods of construction, kinds of materials used, and types of fins and core designs.
Other factors to be considered are necessary coolant reserve, deaeration, use of pressure caps, and types of mountings. All these factors must be considered but practical limits as to space and cost often cause decisions to be made to the detriment of any one particular function.