Pressure Distribution Prediction
Cross Sectional Views of Thermostatic Valve
3D ISO-surface of pressure inspiring design change to reduce pressure loss
Using CFD simulation for flow performance prediction can dramatically reduce the amount of physical prototypes and test work required which will either reduce product development lead times, the cost to the client or enhance the quality of the product received by the client.
Magal AWT – www.magal.co.uk
LEADING THE FIELD IN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING FOR ALMOST 50 YEARS
Magal Engineering has been working in partnership with the global automotive industry for over 50 years, enabling the companies that form the Magal Group to lead the field in the design, development and manufacture of mechanically engineered components. With UK manufacturing becoming more and more competitive, modern management techniques and lean practices have allowed Magal Engineering to remain at the forefront of the automotive industry.
By combining state-of-the-art technology with a highly motivated workforce, Magal Engineering endeavours to supply a highly efficient service developing and manufacturing products of the highest quality, at the lowest possible price.
Key products include:
- Thermal management systems and thermostats utilizing both engineered plastic and aluminium housings
- Medium and light duty complex control cables
- Hydraulic Steering mechanisms
- Spare wheel carriers
- Jacks and puncture management
- Pedal box assemblies
- Manual mechanical handbrakes
- High volume precision machining
- Engineered injection moulded plastic assemblies
Magal is recognized as a Tier 1 global strategic supplier to the major OEMs attaining preferred supplier status with Ford, Daimler, Jaguar Land Rover, Renault Nissan and PSA.
80/20 Engineering is a specialist Fluid Flow Simulation and Thermal Analysis Consultancy Company. We have a long track record of helping companies implement ‘Design Friendly’ or ‘UpFront CFD’ user environments that we believe will play an ever-increasing role within the product development process. However, often the client project demands are such that there is an urgent need for a design to be improved or a problem resolved. In these situations, we have a team of experienced simulation engineers to call upon.
In order to help enhance the performance of a thermostatic valve, as quickly as possible, for a new concept design, Magal commissioned 80/20 Engineering to provide consultancy assistance to their ongoing development activity. The images show a brief summary of a CFD study carried out with the objective of reducing the pressure loss through the device.
Managing the fluid flow path behavior within the valve assembly efficiently can substantially reduce the pressure drop and eliminate the formation of ‘High pressure gradient’ regions. Using CFD simulation, a complete three-dimensional pressure map can be obtained at any operating condition. Once a concept is selected a series of ‘Virtual tests’ can be carried out to refine the idea or evaluate the impact of manufacturing or material specification constraints.
CFD techniques also helped Magal Engineering really understand why the valve has certain flow behavioral characteristics in that the fluid flow paths could be easily visualized so that re-circulation or ‘dead zones’ could be identified. This then facilitated design changes that enhanced these flow characteristics prior to committing to expensive tooling.
Magal AWT have subsequently successfully implemented CFD in-house so that the technology is now used routinely as part of the design process. 80/20 Engineering continue to provide any back-up technical support required, as and when needed.