Engine Coolants, Corrosion and Cooling System Design

For most automotive applications, liquid cooled engines are desired since liquids give more efficient heat transfer and maintain uniform metal temperatures. In modem day engines, 60% of heat of combustion must be dissipated either through the exhaust or cooling system. Water has been a component of almost all engine coolants despite its corrosiveness, tendency to expand upon freezing, and relatively high freezing point. Ethylene glycol, however, is a most efficient chemical additive to dispel these disadvantages.

Design considerations, components, and the testing of an integrated cooling system for a passenger car engine are outlined in this paper.