Numerical flow analysis of torque converter using interrow mixing model

In this study, a steady, three-dimensional incompressible turbulent flow wi thin a torque converter was numerically analyzed by introducing an interrow mixing model. Mixing planes were introduced to exchange the flow informati on between two adjacent elements of a torque converter. By installing the m ixing planes among the three elements of a torque converter, the flow field within the torque converter could be calculated without any assumptions co ncerning circulating flow rates or any upstream and/or downstream extension of boundaries for each element. The numerically calculated performances of the torque converter were in good agreement with the experimental results, and the complex flow patterns could be observed according to the given wor king conditions. It was concluded that the present numerical method was ver y effective in the steady flow analysis of torque converters.