If a wheel assembly must be cooled, how should a water stream be applied?

Applying water mist or a fog pattern in a continuous flow is effective for cooling a wheel assembly due to its ability to absorb heat efficiently. The fine droplets in a fog pattern increase the surface area of water exposed to heat, allowing for better heat exchange and more effective cooling.

Continuous flow is essential to maintain a stable cooling environment around the wheel assembly, which can be critical in preventing damage or failure of the components due to excessive heat. This method also minimizes the risk of creating steam, which would be less effective for cooling and could potentially obscure visibility or create danger in a firefighting scenario.

Using a solid stream, whether in short bursts or mass application, may not disperse heat as effectively. Short bursts can lead to uneven cooling and potential thermal stress, while mass application may not provide the same fine control over heat absorption that a mist or fog pattern offers.