Laser velocimeter measurements in the pump of an automotive torque converter. Part 2: Unsteady measurements

Journal Article · Mon Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Journal of Turbomachinery

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2836704· OSTI ID:287468

Brun, K; Flack, R D; Gruver, J K ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA (United States)

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% of the average through flow 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 through flow velocity were typically 30%. 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%.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 287468
• Report Number(s): CONF-940626--
• Journal Information: Journal of Turbomachinery, Journal Name: Journal of Turbomachinery Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 118; ISSN JOTUEI; ISSN 0889-504X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
AUTOMOBILES
FLUID FLOW
MECHANICAL TRANSMISSIONS
PUMPS
VELOCIMETERS
VELOCITY