Wind Tunnel:

The wind tunnel consists of a flow path, the device under test, sensors and active elements. The flow path consists of a straight section with flow elements to ensure equal flow into all sections of the heat exchanger which is the device under test. Sensors are placed so that inlet and outlet temperatures, pressure drops, and mass flow rates can be measured for both the internal-side fluid [coolant, charge-air, or oil] and the external-side fluid [ambient air]. The inlet temperature of the internal-side fluids, the mass flow rates of both the internal-side and external-side fluids are controlled. Analysis of the data enables pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics to be determined. The wind tunnel has enabled Richardson Cooling Packages to develop and analyze new tube and fin designs.

Richardson Cooling Packages is grateful for an Innovation Works Innovation Adoption Grant and for the expert guidance provided by the late Ralph L. Webb, a recipient of the ASME Heat Transfer Memorial Award.

Pressure Cycle:

Richardson Cooling Packages tests the durability of its products by cycling between atmospheric and an elevated pressure until the product fails.

Thermal Cycle:

Richardson Cooling Packages tests the durability of its products by cycling between a low and a high temperature until the product fails.

Repetitive Shock:

Richardson Cooling Packages test the durability of its products by subjecting them to repetitive shocks. For the repetitive shock test, a hot fluid is circulated through the heat exchanger while the heat exchanger is subjected to shocks. Because the unit is excited by an impact, a broad range of frequencies, including resonant frequencies, are excited.

Burst Pressure:

Richardson Cooling Packages tests the resistance of its products to both permanent deformation and bursting. A pump is used to gradually increase the pressure of a liquid inside the heat exchanger until a leak is formed. The onset of permanent deformation causes the change in pressure with respect to volume inserted into the system to change. The formation of a leak causes the pressure to decrease.

Leak Testing:

All Richardson Cooling Packages are subjected to a leak test. For this test, the heat exchanger is submersed in water. Compressed air is injected into the heat exchanger. The creation of bubbles proves the integrity of the heat exchanger is compromised. The lack of a creation of bubbles proves the integrity of the heat exchange is intact.

Portable Coordinate Measuring Machine:

Richardson Cooling Packages uses a FARO Edge arm to measure 3D part geometry. PolyWorks software enables a direct link to Creo Elements files for faster and more accurate inspection and report generation.

Vibration Measurement

RCP has provided and can provide customers with a vibration profile of their equipment.