TC's and manual trans (was: Re: Smooth strategy)

[Gary Derian]

I am defining a torque converter as a device that multiplies torque.  If
there are only 2 elements, where does the torque multiplication come from?
If one element is attached to the engine and the second element is attached
to the transmission, there is no way the second element can have more torque
than the first.  This two element thing you are describing may be a very
nice device and it may have been called a torque converter but it cannot
multiply torque.  For that, you need a reaction member.

I never took auto mechanics in high school.

Gary Derian <gderian at cybergate.net>


>Gary Derian wrote:
>>
>> A torque converter must have at least three elements.  The extra torque
>> comes from the reaction at the stator.  Its the hydraulic equivalent to a
>> lever and fulcrum where the extra force comes from the fulcrum.  A torque
>> converter is not more efficient than a fluid coupling but it does
multiply
>> torque when it is slipping adding an extra gear for starts.  At low
slippage
>> (cruise conditions) the stator freewheels and a torque converter reverts
to
>> a fluid coupling.  A 4 or 5 element converter would be the equivalent of
a
>> compound lever.
>
>Reference Wm Crouse - Automotive mechanics- fifth edition - Webster/Mc
>Graw Hill.
>Torque converters with only 2 elements DID exist. The definitive
>difference between a fluid coupling and a TC is the shape of the vanes.
>Note, a 3 element fluid coupling also existed.
>
>You took auto mechanics in high school - I taught it :}