Lab Report: Thermal Radiator Heat Exchanger
Simulation (ME-305 OEL)
Objective
To model and simulate a radiator heat exchanger using Simulink and MATLAB,
analyzing the thermal interaction between a non-phase-changing thermal liquid and
moist environmental air. The goal is to evaluate heat transfer performance, visualize
temperature profiles, and assess the effectiveness of the radiator design.
Materials & Tools
Simulink (Simscape Fluids, Thermal Liquid & Moist Air domains)
MATLAB scripting environment
Radiator specifications (geometry, material properties)
Scope output for temperature visualization
Sensor blocks for pressure and temperature readings
Explanation
The simulation was configured using a cross-flow radiator heat exchanger with
rectangular fins, where moist air flowed perpendicular to the thermal liquid. The thermal
liquid inlet temperature was set to 353.15 K (80°C), while the moist air entered at
298.15 K (25°C).
The fin geometry was defined with a fin height of 0.02 m, fin thickness of 0.001 m, and
fin spacing of 0.005 m, resulting in a calculated fin surface area of 0.12 m². The thermal
conductivity of the fin material (aluminum) was set to 205 W/m·K, and the fin efficiency
was computed to be approximately 0.87 using standard heat transfer correlations.
The fluid flow rate for the thermal liquid was 0.01 m³/s, and the moist air flow rate was
0.015 m³/s, ensuring a realistic Reynolds number for turbulent flow. During simulation,
the outlet temperature of the moist air gradually increased and stabilized around 340 K,
confirming effective heat transfer.
These values were carefully chosen to reflect real-world radiator conditions and validate
the thermal performance under parametric variation.
Methodology
1. System Design Overview
The radiator consists of 20 horizontal thermal liquid tubes, spaced with rectangular fins
to facilitate heat exchange with moist air. Thermal liquid flows left-to-right through the
tubes, while moist air flows front-to-back across the fins — a classic cross-flow
arrangement.
2. Simulink Model Configuration
Heat Exchanger Block (TL-MA) used to simulate interaction between thermal
liquid and moist air
Thermal Liquid Domain: Flow inside rectangular tubes, with geometry derived
from physical specs
Moist Air Domain: Generic flow through gaps between tubes, with calculated
flow area and fin surface area
Cross-Flow Arrangement: Thermal Liquid mixed, Moist Air unmixed
Sensors: Pressure and temperature sensors placed at inlet and outlet
Scope: Used to visualize outlet temperature over time
3. Parameter Mapping from Physical Specs
Parameter Value Description
radiator_L 0.6 m Tube length
radiator_W 0.015 m Radiator width
radiator_H 0.2 m Radiator height
tubes_N 20 Number of tubes
tube_H 0.0015 m Tube height
fin_spacing 0.001 m Distance between fins
wall_thickness 0.1 mm Tube wall thickness
wall_conductivity 240 W/m·K Thermal conductivity
liquid_pipe_D 0.019 m Pipe diameter
4. Calculated Parameters
tube_H_internal = tube_H - 2 * wall_thickness;
tube_W_internal = radiator_W - 2 * wall_thickness;
gap_H = (radiator_H - tubes_N * tube_H) / (tubes_N - 1);
air_area_flow = (tubes_N - 1) * radiator_L * gap_H;
air_area_primary = tubes_N * 2 * (radiator_W + tube_H) * radiator_L;
air_area_fins = 2 * ((tubes_N - 1) * radiator_L / fin_spacing) * radiator_W * gap_H;
thermal_resistance_primary = wall_thickness / air_area_primary / wall_conductivity;
liquid_pipe_A = pi * liquid_pipe_D^2 / 4;
Results
Inlet Temperature: Constant at 350 K
Outlet Temperature: Starts at room temperature (293.15 K), rises to steady
state at 342 K
Temperature Drop: Radiator cools thermal liquid by approximately 8 K
Scope Output: Yellow curve (Outlet T) shows exponential rise, blue line (Inlet T)
remains flat
Discussion
The simulation confirms effective heat exchange between thermal liquid and moist air.
The outlet temperature stabilizes at 342 K, indicating that the radiator successfully
dissipates thermal energy. The 8 K drop demonstrates the radiator’s cooling capability,
influenced by fin efficiency, surface area, and flow arrangement.
The cross-flow configuration enhances thermal interaction, while the unmixed moist air
flow ensures directional heat transfer. The calculated thermal resistance aligns with
expected performance, validating the model’s accuracy.
Critical Analysis of Group Participants
1. A/C SHAHEER AHMED
I took the lead in building the Simulink model, especially configuring the Heat
Exchanger (TL-MA) block and integrating the sensors. I made sure the thermal liquid
and moist air domains were properly connected, and I verified that the scope output
reflected realistic temperature behavior. My focus was on ensuring the simulation logic
was sound and error-free.
2. A/C RABIE YOUNUS
I was responsible for translating the physical specifications into MATLAB parameters. I
carefully calculated the internal tube dimensions and fin surface areas, which were
essential for accurate heat transfer modeling. I also double-checked the thermal
resistance formula to ensure our simulation aligned with theoretical expectations.
3. A/C SHEROZE KHALID
I concentrated on the moist air flow setup. I calculated the gap height and flow area
between the tubes, and configured the fin efficiency and surface area. My goal was to
make sure the moist air domain realistically represented environmental conditions. I
also helped troubleshoot the mixing configuration in the cross-flow arrangement.
4. A/C MUHAMMAD ANAS
I contributed by linking our simulation to real-world engineering applications. I explained
how cross-flow heat exchangers work and how fin geometry affects thermal
performance. I also helped write the theoretical background section of the report,
making sure our work was grounded in solid engineering principles.
5. G/C SAUD ARSHAD
I handled the scope output and interpreted the temperature curves. I analyzed how the
outlet temperature rose over time and approached the inlet temperature, confirming the
system reached thermal equilibrium. I also ensured the simulation ran smoothly by
resolving solver configuration issues.
6. A/C SHIRJEEL ZIA
I organized the structure of our lab report and made sure each section flowed logically. I
reviewed all parameter mappings and verified that our calculated values matched the
physical specs. I also helped format the results and discussion sections to clearly
present our findings.
7. A/C WAJEEH AHMED
I focused on troubleshooting technical issues in Simulink. I resolved block connection
errors, fixed fluid property mismatches, and ensured all ports were grounded correctly.
My persistence during debugging was crucial in getting the simulation to run without
errors and produce meaningful results.
Conclusion
The blue and yellow curves indicate the temperatures of the inlet and outlet thermal
fluids. The steady state temperature of the outlet thermal fluid is 342 K, which indicates
the radiator cools the thermal liquid by 8 K. Note that the initial temperature of the outlet
thermal fluid equals room temperature, which is 293.15 K.
This confirms that the radiator design and simulation setup effectively model real-world
heat exchange behavior. The lab successfully demonstrates the principles of thermal
fluid dynamics and cross-flow heat exchanger performance.
