Evaluation of Heat Transfer Characteristics in an Automobile Cabin with a Virtual Manikin During Heating Period

Abstract

In this study, a three-dimensional transient numerical analysis was performed inside the automobile cabin during heating period. A three-dimensional vehicle cabin including glazing surfaces was modeled by using the real dimensions of a car. A virtual manikin with real dimensions and physiological shape was added to the model of the vehicle cabin. It was assumed that the manikin surfaces were subjected to either constant heat flux or constant temperature. Three-dimensional fluid flow, temperature distribution, and heat transfer characteristics inside the cabin were calculated. Experimental measurements were also conducted. Comparisons of the results were presented and discussed. The results of numerical calculations were in good agreement with the experimental and theoretical data in the literature.

The authors wish to thank the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) for supporting this research under project number 105M262, and FIAT-TOFAS for providing the test car.