What is the purpose of an oil cooler in an aircraft engine?

The primary purpose of an oil cooler in an aircraft engine is to reduce the temperature of the engine oil. Engine oil plays a crucial role in lubricating the various moving parts of the engine, and as it circulates, it can become quite hot due to the high temperatures generated by the engine's operation. If the oil becomes too hot, it can lose its viscosity and, consequently, its ability to effectively lubricate the engine components. By cooling the oil, the oil cooler helps maintain optimal operating temperatures, ensuring that the oil retains its lubricating properties and can efficiently protect the engine from wear and damage.

While filtering impurities, increasing oil pressure, and improving lubrication efficiency are important functions within an engine's oil system, they are not the primary role of the oil cooler. The oil cooler specifically addresses the thermal management aspect of oil circulation, which is vital for engine performance and longevity.