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Originally Posted by jakobnev
Paint between the fins is not of much use since any radiation emitted there is mostly just reabsorbed.
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The ideal configuration would be black on all external surfaces, and unpainted fins internally.
Painting the engine black should help a very small amount too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daox
Anyway, what we're talking about is thermal radiation, one of the three forms of heat transfer:
1) conduction (heat moving through a material)
2) convection (heat altering the density of a gas/liquid and allowing it to move)
3) radiation
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Funny how we call the cooling component on a vehicle the "radiator" when the primary method of heat removal is convection. Should it be called a convectorator instead? Perhaps convector?
Quote:
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However, the paint does add a layer of insulation, so when air is flowing over it, it is less efficient.
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Not only does the paint add a layer of insulation, but it narrows the gap between the fins, which reduces the amount of air that can move through the fins and absorb heat.