Physics of Racing Torque Converters
 

Can anyone share the main governing equations for torque converters?

I think Russ Abrahams (sp) had something, but I can't remember them at this time.

Re: Physics of Racing Torque Converters
 

One of the formulas is K=n/square root T

K is number that is the looseness of the converter
n is the stall speed
T is the engine torque



Russ Abrams 3011 GT/FA

Re: Physics of Racing Torque Converters
 

some years ago Brandon with BTE did an extensive and informative series about a - z on the subject. Maybe that post is somewhere in the archives.

If it can't be found, maye Brandon would repost the series.

Re: Physics of Racing Torque Converters
 

Russ, thanks for the reply.

Units are rpm and ft*lbs?

But there must be something about torque at an rpm.

Say you have an electric motor with a flat torque curve of 500 ft*lbs and you want stall of 6,000 rpm.

What additional info is needed?

Re: Physics of Racing Torque Converters
 

That is the whole point of that formula . You have to develop a K factor that gives you the rpm you want with the torque you have at that rpm . In general you have different stators and different pumps that will give you a combo that matches the K factor desired . units are in rpm and ft.lbs.

Re: Physics of Racing Torque Converters
 

If you can find a copy, "design of single stage, three element torque converters" by V. J. Jandasek explains torque converter function very well, including K factor. You might be able to get a copy from the SAE or it is in the third edition of "design practices, passenger car automatic transmissions", published by the SAE.

Jim Mantle V/SA 6632

Re: Physics of Racing Torque Converters
 

It might seem insignificant to most, but when you try to do math without using the correct units one will get incorrect answers.Torque is a twisting force and is typically expressed in lbs-ft while work is typically expressed in ft-lbs (energy). Yeah I know that seems to be nit picky but it makes a difference when you practice unit cancellation in the mathematics on the subject material.;)
Regards,
HB2:)
Dissident