Utilizing CFD for Thermal Analysis of a Prototype HID Fog Lamp

An advanced high intensity discharge (HID) light source thermal model has been developed and used to analyze heating problems in a HID fog lamp. The HID thermal model incorporates coupled specular radiation and natural convection to accurately predict the HID capsule surface temperatures. The HID light source model was used to predict fog lamp lens and housing temperatures and to provide critical information regarding material specifications. The development of a HID light source model is a major step forward in the use of predictive tools for the thermal analysis of automotive exterior lighting.