12.52 Cooling Systems

12.52.2 Describe the principle components of aircraft engine air and liquid cooling systems.

The two primary methods of cooling aircraft engines are air cooling and liquid cooling.

Both systems have different components and operate on different principles.

Air cooling systems are typically used in smaller aircraft and consist of a series of fins attached to the engine cylinders.

The fins increase the surface area of the cylinders, which allows air to flow over them more efficiently, cooling the engine.

The air cooling system also includes baffles and ducts that direct the flow of air over the cylinders and prevent hot air from recirculating back into the engine.

Liquid cooling systems are typically used in larger aircraft and consist of a series of tubes or passages that circulate a liquid coolant around the engine cylinders.

The liquid coolant absorbs heat from the engine and is then circulated through a radiator, where it is cooled by air flowing over the radiator.

The cooled liquid is then circulated back through the engine to absorb more heat.

The primary components of an air cooling system include the engine cylinders, fins, baffles, ducts, and cowling.