Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Stator Exit Flow Field of an Automotive Torque Converter

Abstract

The objective of this investigation is to understand the nature of the complex flow field inside each element of the torque converter through a systematic experimental and numerical investigation of the flow field. A miniature five-hole probe was used to acquire the data at the exit of the stat or at several operating conditions. The flow field is found to be highly three-dimensional with substantial flow deviations, and secondary flow at the exit of the stator. The secondary flow structure, caused by the upstream radial variation of the through flow, induces flow overturning near the core. Flow separation near the shell causes flow underturning in this region. The rate of decay of stator wake is found to be slower than that observed in the wakes of axial flow turbine nozzles. The flow predictions by a Navier-Stokes code are in good agreement with the pressure and the flow field measured at the exit of the stator at the design and the off-design conditions.

Laser Velocimeter Measurements in the Pump of an Automotive Torque Converter Part II – Effect of Pump Speed and Oil Viscosity

“…of this paper and are not presented here for the sake of brevity. Static and dynamic pressure measurements were taken in the stator, pump and turbine of the torque converter by , , Marathe et al (1996), and Marathe and Lakshminarayana (1995). Laser velocimeter measurements were taken by Bahr et al (1990), Gruver et al (1996), Brunet al (1996) and Ainley et al (1998).…”

Experimental Investigation of Steady and Unsteady Flow Field Downstream of an Automotive Torque Converter Turbine and Inside the Stator: Part II — Unsteady Pressure on the Stator Blade Surface

“…The stator inlet and exit flow angles for SR= O.2 are identical to those for SR=0.065. The flow angles for SR 0.8 have been presented in Marathe et. al.(1994).…”

Experimental Investigation of Steady and Unsteady Flow Field Downstream of an Automotive Torque Converter Turbine and Inside the Stator: Part I — Flow at the Exit of Turbine

“…There have been several attempts made in recent years to investigate the torque converter flow field (e.g. , Marathe et. al.,1994, By et.…”

“…al.,1994, By et. al.,1993, Browarzik and Grahl, 1992 A brief review of this is given in Marathe et. al.…”

“…The thrust of this paper is to understand the steady and the unsteady flow field at the exit of the turbine and the stator at maximum efficiency operating conditions. The steady flow at the exit of the stator is presented by Marathe, Lakshminarayana and Dong (1994). The investigation is carried in a 230 mm torque converter using a high frequency response five-hole probe.…”