Math-based torque converter modelling to evaluate damping characteristics and reverse flow mode operation

Abstract

This paper presents math-based torque converter modelling and simulation in both forward flow mode and reverse flow mode operations. Since a torque converter plays an important role in transferring power from an engine shaft to the transmission shaft and vice versa and affects the fuel consumption and vehicle longitudinal dynamics, simulating the dynamic behaviour of this component in different operating modes is of great importance. Our torque converter model is validated with the experimental results of the Honda CRV during the forward flow mode operation. The main focus of this research is on reverse flow mode simulation, and the application of the proposed math-based torque converter model to evaluate damping characteristics of a torque converter due to undesired disturbances generated either from engine pulsations or from road bumps and potholes. The simulation results show that a torque converter efficiently damps high frequency disturbances introduced from the engine shaft to the transmission side and vice versa.