Why did/do some locomotives have flared radiators? The SD45 is perhaps the best example…
to the best of my understanding it allows more surface area for air to cool down the coolant (water). more surface area better cooling affect
By anglingthe radiator mounting, a larger radiator can be used in the same space. The larger the surface area, the more colling capacity. The down side is the exta angles connections(another place for a leak).
Both EMD and GE have taken this to theextreme with their current split cooling systems.
Jim
Think of a Right Triangle. Say the Radiator is the C Side the Body where it is mounted is the A Side and the Top of the Body is the B side. So Say you have a Body Opening of 3 Top of 4 you can Squeeze a Raditor of 5 Units in Size and not have to worry about any extra Steel Needed. Who knew Geometry would be Useful in REAL LIFE HUH.
They’d look more impressive if they’d put some chrome on them.
Mr. Pythagoras.
In fact, nearly all EMD radiators sit in a vee under the radiator fans, so in the case of the SD45, compared to the SD40, the “vee” is flatter and wider so the intake grilles are angled to accommodate the radiators. On the SD45-2, the radiators are the same vee angle as the SD40 (and SD40-2) but are longer to provide the extra area needed for the greater power.
One of the exceptions is the SD45T-2 in which the radiators are mounted in a very flat inverted vee above the cooling fans and the fans blow the air through the radiators rather than sucking it through.
In the SD70 ACe, the radiators are almost entirely outside the hood, an extreme variety of vee where the radiators are exposed to free air giving better airflow through the radiator, needed to meet the more strict temperature control that allows the locomotive to meet Tier 2 emissions requirements. This also allows two larger diameter fans to cool the larger radiators.
M636C
Surface area is king.