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Old 05-16-2011, 08:49 PM   #12 (permalink)
winkosmosis
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Lee View Post
I've read (IIRC Hucho) that a properly designed radiator inlet/outlet duct system can theoretically add thrust due to the addition of the heat energy. Since they said "theoretically" I take it nobody has done it, or measured it?

That said, I don't know all the ramifications (pun!) of having such a system.

I do recall that my '64 Spitfire had nicely ducted flow to the radiator, probably to help a marginal cooling system with marginal inlet area get the job done. Careful attention to ducting may allow a smaller radiator to work, or allow the energy-consuming fan to come on less. But if the vehicle doesn't have a cooling system deficiency I don't know what gain there could be.
How is that possible? The expansion of the air isn't directional, so it's just as much pushing forward as backward
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