Torque converter principles
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A single stage torque converter has three elements: the impeller, the turbine and the stator.
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Converter operation
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In converter operation the impeller is driven by the engine and turns at crankshaft speed.
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Torque multiplication
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Torque multiplication is proportional to the difference in speed between the impeller and the turbine.
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Fluid flow
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Rotary flow, vortex flow and spiral flow are terms which describe fluid flow paths in the torque converter. These paths are dependent on operating conditions.
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Heat exchanger
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Converter operation produces heat which is usually dissipated by passing the transmission fluid through a heat exchanger in the cooling system.
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Lock-up converters
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In a lock-up converter, the impeller and turbine are locked together when operating conditions are suitable to provide a 1 to 1 drive from the engine to the transmission input shaft.
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Sprag one way clutches
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The stator one-way clutch prevents the stator from turning in the opposite direction to engine rotation during torque multiplication. It allows the stator to rotate with the impeller and turbine when coupling point is reached.
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| Machine torque |
The transmission of power from the engine through the drive train train to the wheels of a vehicle. |
