Experimental Investigation of Rotor/Rotor Interaction in a Hydrodynamic Torque Converter Using Hot-Film Anemometry

Abstract

Unsteady flow measurements were performed to investigate the internal flow field of a torque converter, especially unsteady rotor/rotor-interaction in the region between pump exit and turbine inlet. Instantaneous flow data were measured with hot-film probes and a computer based data acquisition system. The commonly used ensemble averaging method was adapted to this special case with two independently rotating impellers. Velocity profiles of the flow in the relative frame of reference of the pump impeller were evaluated and they were used to generate a computer animation. The paper gives an overview over the test facilities and the background of the present investigations. It follows a discussion of some essential aspects concerning the use of hot-film anemometry. The methods used to evaluate the data are described in detail and measuring results of the region between pump exit and turbine inlet are presented.