Parametric Analysis and Optimization of Leaning Angle in Torque Converters

2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Liu ◽  
Meng Guo ◽  
Qingdong Yan ◽  
Wei Wei ◽  
Houston G. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Angular Position ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Torque Converter ◽  
Hydrodynamic Performance ◽  
Parameter Study ◽  
Cfd Models ◽  
Multi Objective Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Mass Flowrate ◽  
Cubic Model ◽  
Torque Converters

Abstract Torque converters are durable fluid couplings that can provide output torque multiplication. Blade leaning angle represents the angular position of a blade chord with respect to its radial reference line, and it is an important blade variable regarding both hydrodynamic performance and manufacturability of a torque converter. In traditional design processes, blade leaning angles are often determined based on experiences of engineers; hence, this study proposed a design approach using the combination of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and optimization. Two CFD models were developed to design blade leaning angles. A steady-state periodic CFD model was employed for the parameter study and the optimization, and a transient full three-dimensional (3D) model was performed to study the flow mechanism and evaluate the performance with higher accuracy. Design of experiment (DOE) technique was employed to investigate the relationship between blade leaning angles and hydrodynamic performance, and a reduced cubic model was derived from the results. It was found that blade leaning angles had profound effects on torque converter performance; a large blade leaning angle intensified the flow blockage effect, thus resulting in a lower mass flowrate and torque capacity. Seven torque converters with different blade leaning angles were tested to validate the obtained numerical results, and the test data were found to be in good agreement with the CFD predictions. Finally, the hydrodynamic performance of the base model torque converter was optimized by a multi-objective genetic algorithm.

Design of experiments to investigate blade geometric effects on the hydrodynamic performance of torque converters

2017 ◽  
Vol 233 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Liu ◽  
Wei Wei ◽  
Qingdong Yan ◽  
Neal R Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Design Of Experiments ◽  
Factorial Design ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Torque Converter ◽  
Fractional Factorial ◽  
Hydrodynamic Performance ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Design Variables ◽  
Torque Converters

Torque converters are key components in automatic and hydrodynamic transmissions. Power is transmitted through the reaction force of fluid on cascades; thus, the geometry of the blade is essential to torque converter performance. The traditional one-dimensional blade design approach becomes inefficient for modern torque converter design because torque converters are highly coupled turbomachines and the flow is three-dimensional. In the present research, a novel six-parameter blade camberline design was developed to describe the overall shape of the blade. A full two-level factorial design was conducted with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations on each component to determine the sensitivity of design variables and investigate the relationship between design parameters and hydrodynamic performance. The design variables were reduced from 18 to nine after the screening design. A quarter-fractional factorial design was performed on the selected primary design variables to explore the first-order interaction effects between different wheels. Then a response surface was generated for each component to provide a substitution model for further optimization. A series of torque converters with various design parameters were fabricated and tested to validate the important effects determined in the design of experiments (DOE) process. It is found that CFD in combination with DOE is able to precisely capture the correlation between design variables and hydrodynamic performance. A base torque converter was optimized based on the DOE studies and the result was tested. Pronounced improvement in powertrain performance and fuel economy were observed.

Laser Velocimeter Measurements in the Pump of an Automotive Torque Converter: Part II—Unsteady Measurements

1996 ◽  
Vol 118 (3) ◽  
pp. 570-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Brun ◽  
R. D. Flack ◽  
J. K. Gruver
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Field ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Incidence Angle ◽  
Angular Position ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Torque Converter ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Plane Flow ◽  
Periodic Fluctuations ◽  
Pump Inlet

The unsteady velocity field found in the pump of an automotive torque converter was measured using laser velocimetry. Velocities in the inlet, mid-, and exit planes of the pump were investigated at two significantly different operating conditions: turbine/pump rotational speed ratios of 0.065 and 0.800. A data organization method was developed to visualize the three-dimensional, periodic unsteady velocity field in the rotating frame. For this method, the acquired data are assumed to be periodic at synchronous and blade interaction frequencies. Two shaft encoders were employed to obtain the instantaneous angular position of the torque converter pump and turbine at the instant of laser velocimeter data acquisition. By proper “registration” of the data, visualizing the transient interaction effects between the stator and the pump, and between the pump and the turbine, was possible. Results showed strong cyclic velocity fluctuations in the pump inlet plane as a function of the relative stator-pump position. Typical percent periodic fluctuations in the through flow velocity were 70 percent of the average throughflow velocity. The upstream propagation influence of the turbine on the pump exit plane flow field was seen to be smaller. Percent periodic fluctuations of the throughflow velocity were typically 30 percent. The effect of the stator and turbine on the midplane flow field was seen to be negligible. The incidence angle at the pump inlet fluctuated by 27 and 14 deg for the 0.065 and 0.800 speed ratios, respectively. Typical slip factors at the exit were 0.965 and fluctuated by less than 1 percent.

scholarly journals Influence of Charging Oil Condition on Torque Converter Cavitation Characteristics

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Liu ◽  
Meng GUO ◽  
Qingdong Yan ◽  
Wei Wei
Keyword(s):  
High Capacity ◽  
Torque Converter ◽  
Hydrodynamic Performance ◽  
Base Case ◽  
Cfd Models ◽  
Fluid Field ◽  
Cavitation Effect ◽  
Capacity Degradation ◽  
Charge Pressure ◽  
Fluid Behaviour

Abstract Cavitation inside a torque converter induces noise, vibration and even failure, and these effects have been disregarded in previous torque converter design processes. However, modern high-capacity torque converter applications require attention to this issue. Therefore, this study investigated the cavitation effect on a torque converter using both numerical and experimental methods with an emphasis on the influence of the charging oil feed location and charge pressure. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were established to simulate the transient cavitation behaviour in the torque converter using different charging oil pressures and inlet arrangements and testing against a base case to validate the results. The CFD results suggested that cavitating bubbles mainly takes place in the stator of the torque converter. The transient cavitation CFD model yielded good aggrement with the experimental data, with an error of 7.6% in the capacity constant and 7.4% in the torque ratio. Both the experimental and numerical studies showed that cavitation induced severe capacity degradation, and that the charge pressure and charging oil configuration significantly affects both the overall hydrodynamic performance and the fluid behaviour inside the torque converter because of cavitation. Increasing the charge pressure and charging the oil from the turbine-stator clearance were found to suppress cavitation development and reduce performance degradation, especially in terms of the capacity constant. This study revealed the fluid field mechanism behind the influence of charging oil conditions on torque converter cavitation behaviour, providing practical guidelines for suppressing cavitation in torque converter.

Influence of Stator Blade Geometry on Torque Converter Cavitation

2017 ◽  
Vol 140 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Liu ◽  
Wei Wei ◽  
Qingdong Yan ◽  
Brian K. Weaver ◽  
Houston G. Wood
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Torque Converter ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Hydrodynamic Performance ◽  
Speed Ratio ◽  
Capacity Loss ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Stator Blade ◽  
Torque Converters ◽  
Blade Geometry

Cavitation in torque converters may cause degradation in hydrodynamic performance, severe noise, or even blade damage. Researches have highlighted that the stator is most susceptible to the occurrence of cavitation due to the combination of high flow velocities and high incidence angles. The objective of this study is to therefore investigate the effects of cavitation on hydrodynamic performance as well as the influence of stator blade geometry on cavitation. A steady-state homogeneous computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed and validated against test data. It was found that cavitation brought severe capacity constant degradation under low-speed ratio (SR) operating conditions and vanished in high-speed ratio operating conditions. A design of experiments (DOE) study was performed to investigate the influence of stator design variables on cavitation over various operating conditions, and it was found that stator blade geometry had a significant effect on cavitation behavior. The results show that stator blade count and leaning angle are important variables in terms of capacity constant loss, torque ratio (TR) variance, and duration of cavitation. Large leaning angles are recommended due to their ability to increase the cavitation number in torque converters over a wide range of SRs, leading to less stall capacity loss as well as a shorter duration of cavitation. A reduced stator blade count is also suggested due to a reduced TR loss and capacity loss at stall.

Performance Analysis of Automotive Torque Converter Elements

1999 ◽  
Vol 121 (2) ◽  
pp. 266-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Ejiri ◽  
M. Kubo
Keyword(s):  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Small Variation ◽  
Torque Converter ◽  
Hydrodynamic Performance ◽  
Speed Ratio ◽  
Loss Coefficients ◽  
Edge Separation ◽  
Ratio Range

The hydrodynamic performance of a three-element automotive torque converter is analyzed by measuring flow between the elements with five-hole Pitot tubes. The performance of each element, including head, head loss, and efficiency, is defined and evaluated. The results show that the pump is the major source of loss in the speed ratio range where vehicles are most frequently operated in everyday driving. The loss coefficients for the three elements are also evaluated using a one-dimensional flow model. The friction loss coefficient of the turbine shows small variation over the entire tested speed ratio range, whereas the coefficients of the pump and stator vary considerably according to the operating speed ratio. The cause of loss in the pump and stator is investigated by flow visualization and three-dimensional numerical flow analysis. A low kinetic energy region in the pump and leading edge separation in the stator are clearly visualized or computed.

scholarly journals 3D Cavitation Shedding Dynamics: Cavitation Flow-Fluid Vortex Formation Interaction in a Hydrodynamic Torque Converter

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2798
Author(s):  
Zilin Ran ◽  
Wenxing Ma ◽  
Chunbao Liu
Keyword(s):  
Local Density ◽  
Vortex Formation ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Torque Converter ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Hydrodynamic Performance ◽  
Cavitation Flow ◽  
Flow Induced Vibration ◽  
Alternative Analysis ◽  
Vortex Interactions

Recent experiments have shown interactions between the cavitation and fluid vortex formation in a hydrodynamic torque converter. This study aimed to clarify the unsteady cavitation trigger mechanism and flow-induced vibration caused by turbulence–cavitation interactions. The mass transfer cavitation model and modified Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes k–ω model were used with a local density correction for turbulent eddy viscosity to investigate the cavitation structure in a hydrodynamic torque converter under various operating conditions. The model results were then validated against test data. The multi-block structured gridding technique was used to develop an orthogonally structured grid of a three-dimensional full-flow passage as an alternative analysis method for the cavitation flow. The results indicated that the re-entrant jet is the main cause of the shedding cavitation and breaking O-type cavitation. The re-entrant jet is driven by the reverse pressure gradient to move upstream towards the stator nose, and it lifts and splits the attached cavitation, which periodically induces shedding cavitation. When the cavitation was considered, the prediction error of the capacity constant was reduced from 13.23% to <5%. This work provides an insight into the cavitation–vortex interactions in a hydrodynamic torque converter, which can be used to improve the prediction accuracy of the hydrodynamic performance.

scholarly journals Mathematical Model for Elliptic Torus of Automotive Torque Converter and Fundamental Analysis of Its Effect on Performance

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Chunbao Liu ◽  
Changsuo Liu ◽  
Wenxing Ma
Keyword(s):  
Design Method ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Internal Flow ◽  
Torque Converter ◽  
Hydrodynamic Performance ◽  
Elliptic Type ◽  
Flat Torus ◽  
Type Method ◽  
Compact Size ◽  
Torque Converters

Passenger car torque converters have been designed with an increasingly flatter profile in recent years for the purpose of achieving a weight saving and more compact size. However, a flatter design tends to result in the reduced hydrodynamic performance. To improve its performance, a new flat torus of elliptic type method concentrating on the solution to flat TC was put forward, and four torque converters of different flatness ratios were designed to judge the superiority of the flat torus design method. The internal flow characteristics were numerically investigated using CFD codes and resulted in good agreement with experimental data. The results indicate that the main cause of this performance degradation can be attributed to deterioration of the velocity fields of the pump, and a case of flatness ratio 0.8 illustrates the reason that the performance designed by the flat torus design method based on the elliptic shape is more excellent than that of the traditional one. Furthermore, this study proposed a structure of removal of inner ring to improve the performance of torque converter.

Influence of the Flatness Ratio of an Automotive Torque Converter on Hydrodynamic Performance

1999 ◽  
Vol 121 (3) ◽  
pp. 614-620 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Ejiri ◽  
M. Kubo
Keyword(s):  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Internal Flow ◽  
Torque Converter ◽  
Hydrodynamic Performance ◽  
Pump Efficiency ◽  
Torque Transmission ◽  
Performance Deterioration ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
Torque Converters ◽  
Shock Loss

Automotive torque converters have recently been designed with an increasingly narrower profile for the purpose of achieving a smaller axial size, which also translates into weight savings. Four torque converters with different flatness ratios were manufactured and tested in order to evaluate the change in their overall performance, including efficiency, stall torque ratio and torque transmission capacity. The experimental results show that the overall performance deteriorates when the flatness ratio is reduced to less than about 0.2. The internal flow characteristics of the torque converters were also investigated by numerical analysis using a CFD code. The computational results indicate that the main cause of this performance deterioration is a reduction in pump efficiency, which is attributed to increases in shock loss in the inlet region, separation loss in the fore half region, and friction loss in the exit region.

CALCULATION OF THE DEPENDENCE OF THE DISTANCE TO THE LOCATED OBJECT FROM THE CORNER POSITION OF THE VEHICLE LINE

2018 ◽  
pp. 14-18
Author(s):  
V. V. Artyushenko ◽  
A. V. Nikulin
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Statistical Physics ◽  
Angular Position ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Line Of Sight ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Radar Station ◽  
Flight Mode ◽  
Vector Algebra ◽  
Analytical Expressions

To simulate echoes from the earth’s surface in the low flight mode, it is necessary to reproduce reliably the delayed reflected sounding signal of the radar in real time. For this, it is necessary to be able to calculate accurately and quickly the dependence of the distance to the object being measured from the angular position of the line of sight of the radar station. Obviously, the simplest expressions for calculating the range can be obtained for a segment or a plane. In the text of the article, analytical expressions for the calculation of range for two-dimensional and three-dimensional cases are obtained. Methods of statistical physics, vector algebra, and the theory of the radar of extended objects were used. Since the calculation of the dependence of the range of the object to the target from the angular position of the line of sight is carried out on the analytical expressions found in the paper, the result obtained is accurate, and due to the relative simplicity of the expressions obtained, the calculation does not require much time.

scholarly journals A Three-Dimensional Numerical and Multi-Objective Optimal Design of Wavy Plate-Fins Heat Exchangers

Processes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Chao Yu ◽  
Xiangyao Xue ◽  
Kui Shi ◽  
Mingzhen Shao
Keyword(s):  
Heat Exchangers ◽  
Cfd Simulation ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Basis Functions ◽  
Approximation Model ◽  
Multi Objective Optimization ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Multi Objective Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Colburn Factor ◽  
Heat Exchange Efficiency

This paper presents a method for optimizing wavy plate-fin heat exchangers accurately and efficiently. It combines CFD simulation, Radical Basis Functions (RBF) with multi-objective optimization to improve the performance. The optimization of the Colburn factor j and the friction coefficient f is regarded as a multi-objective optimization problem, due to the existence of two contradictory goals. The approximation model was obtained by Radical Basis Functions, and the shape of the heat exchanger was optimized by multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA). The optimization results showed that j increased by 17.62% and f decreased by 20.76%, indicating that the heat exchange efficiency was significantly enhanced and the fluid structure resistance reduced. Then, from the aspects of field synergy and tubulence energy, the performance advantage of the optimized structure was further confirmed.

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