Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Hydraulic Torque Converter for Performance Characteristics Prediction

Abstract

In this paper the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation work being done on single stage, three element two phase torque converter using a commercially available software STAR-CCM+. A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation is used to determine the overall steady state torque converter performance characteristics in-terms of speed ratio, torque ratio, K-Factor and efficiency. The internal flow field distribution rules were analysed in inlet and outlet of the torque converter elements. The CFD STAR CCM+ software solves the incompressible Reynolds-Averaged-Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations on the entire flow domain using the realisable k-Ԑ turbulence model. To verify the accuracy of CFD simulation, the results were validated experimentally by using dynamometer load testing. The torque converter performance characteristics predicted by CFD simulation, is exactly coincidence with experimental results. Based on the validation study, it is proved that CFD can be used as a design and analysis tool to make decisions about design direction. This paper demonstrates the confidence level in hydraulic torque converter fluid flow simulations using CFD STAR CCM+ software and describes how it can be used to assist torque converter design today.