Numerical method application to the analysis of the hydrodynamic torque converter with a smart working fluid

Abstract

In this paper the use of smart fluids (magneto rheological or electro rheological fluids) as a hydrodynamic torque converter working fluid was considered from the viewpoint of their applications to control the converter. The main part of the paper presents results of numerical analysis of a mathematical model. The essential conclusion that arises from the numerical calculations is that two factors, the working fluid rheology and the hydrodynamic torque converter design solution, influence the hydrodynamic torque converter performance. This implies that the smart fluid properties should be carefully selected for each type of hydrodynamic torque converter dependent on requirements.