DEVELOPMENT OF A WELDED COPPER-BRASS AUTOMOTIVE RADIATOR

During the last several years, Modine Manufacturing Company has been developing a high reliability, durable heavy-duty (class 7 and 8) truck radiator. This development work has culminated in the Beta-Weld radiator which was commercially offered to the heavy duty truck markets beginning in June 1982. The objective was to research and develop a heavy-duty truck radiator that possesses substantially improved reliability and durability compared to the "state-of-the-art" soldered tube-to-header joint radiator. In addition, it was desired to improve resistance to solder-bloom corrosion which is sometimes a severe field problem. The extensive process and product R&D resulted in the development of a copper/brass, welded tube-to-header joint radiator core, that also incorporates seam-welded tubes. The air-side of the tube-to-header joints are soldered to provide a "dual bond" that reinforces and seals the weld joint. A comprehensive test program was initiated to characterize the structural performance of the Beta-Weld radiator. This paper presents data that compare the structural behavior of conventional-soldered radiators to Beta-Weld radiators. Thermal cycle, pressure cycle, and shake-test data are emphasized. In addition, extensive field-test results are also presented. The data show that the Beta-Weld radiator possesses exceptional durability and reliability. The results demonstrate a substantial improvement in resistance to tube-to-header joint failure. Virtually absolute immunity to solder-bloom corrosion has also been documented. Field fleet testing verified the laboratory evaluations.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/01487191
• Supplemental Notes:
  • International Congress and Exposition, Detroit, Michigan, February 28-March 4, 1983.
• Corporate Authors:

  Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

  400 Commonwealth Drive
  Warrendale, PA  United States  15096
• Authors:
  • Anders, J H
  • Carravetta, J J
  • Nutt, R A
  • Saperstein, Z P
• Publication Date: 1983

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 8 p.
• Serial:
  • SAE Technical Paper
  • Publisher: Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
  • ISSN: 0148-7191
  • EISSN: 2688-3627
  • Serial URL: http://papers.sae.org/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Brass; Copper; Durability; Field tests; Joints; Laboratory tests; Radiators; Reliability; Structural analysis; Structural mechanics; Welds
• Uncontrolled Terms: Structural behavior; Welded joints
• Old TRIS Terms: Brasses
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00378354
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: SAE 830022, HS-034 771
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Sep 30 1983 12:00AM