Application of computerized numerical modeling in multi-state wet wheel hub heat simulations

This study documents the use of computers and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software in numerical modeling of a multi-state wet wheel hub for thermal analysis. First, ANSYS software is used to construct 3D models of a wet wheel hub with internal cooling/lubricating oil and the surrounding air. These are processed with GAMBIT meshing. Subsequently, bond graph theory is used to create heat source system models. Working conditions and heat system boundary conditions for theoretical analysis are established using test data from an actual vehicle. This is followed by using FLUENT software to perform multi-core and parallel heat calculations of coupled heat flow fields under normal and high intensity working conditions. Finally, MATLAB and Control Desk universal modular experiment and instrumentation software are used to verify the results of the simulation on an actual vehicle. The results indicate good agreement between the results of the numerical model simulation and the measurements from the test vehicle. The relative error is less than 5%. This verifies the accuracy and appropriateness of the analysis methods. The study demonstrates the capability of computers and software to aid in the optimizing the design performance of complex mechanical systems.