A Systems Engineering Approach to Engine Cooling Design

<div class="htmlview paragraph">This paper is divided into two parts: <ul class="list disc"> <li class="list-item"><div class="htmlview paragraph"><span class="xref">Part 1</span> - Systems engineering fundamentals</div></li> <li class="list-item"><div class="htmlview paragraph"><span class="xref">Part 2</span> - Engine cooling design from a systems engineering perspective</div></li> </ul></div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">In <span class="xref">Part 1</span>, we explain how the task of designing a complex system can be made easier by the application of Systems Engineering principles. (<i>This part is self contained and may be of general interest to those who have no special interest in engine cooling).</i></div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">Systems Engineering provides three key benefits: <ul class="list disc"> <li class="list-item"><div class="htmlview paragraph">It facilitates communication:</div> <ul class="list disc"> <li class="list-item"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Requirements define the problem, they allow team members to see their own work in context</div></li> <li class="list-item"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Key information is standardized and made easier to visualize and verify.</div></li> <li class="list-item"><div class="htmlview paragraph">An “audit trail” is maintained ensuring that important information is documented, and human memory is no longer relied on for important decisions.</div></li> </ul></li> <li class="list-item"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Translates requirements into design.</div> <ul class="list disc"> <li class="list-item"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Ensures that all requirements are specified in common terms and none are missed</div></li> <li class="list-item"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Ensures that requirements are consistent and linked from the customer to the vehicle and all the way down to components.</div></li> <li class="list-item"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Ensures that manufacturing and service issues are addressed up-front in the design process.</div></li> </ul></li> <li class="list-item"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Defines the interactions between the OEM's and the Suppliers</div></li> </ul></div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">In <span class="xref">part 2</span>, we examine cooling system design using System Engineering principles.</div>