Transient Torque Converter Performance, Testing, Simulation and Reverse Engineering

The objective of this project was to investigate the transient performance of a three-element torque converter used in automotive applications. The investigation was conducted by running lab tests as well as numerical simulations. Lab tests subjected various torque converters to transient conditions similar to that seen in automotive applications. Numerical simulations were focused on solving a set of nonlinear differential equations that result from application of energy and momentum conservation laws. A computer model was created that successfully predicts the transient behavior of the torque converter. Validation of the computer model was accomplished by comparing simulation results to test data for three separate torque converters. Excellent agreement between test and simulation was seen across the range of data. Out of a need for various design parameters required in the transient model, a technique to reverse engineer the torque converter was developed. Additionally, a computer routine has been created that allows efficient study of a torque converter from a design perspective.