Research on the thermal flow characteristics of viscosity oil in hydrodynamic torque converter

The increase in power density of hydrodynamic torque converters (HTCs) leads to a sharp rise in temperature within flow channels, affecting the reliability. In order to accurately predict the thermal effect and temperature distribution characteristics of the HTC internal viscosity oil, a multi-physics computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is proposed. A specialized test bench was established, and the macro and internal flow temperature data were obtained. HTCs with different working conditions and wheel sets were studied. The results indicate that CFD model considering energy equation can accurately predict the overall hydrodynamic performance and the flow field temperature characteristics under different rotating conditions. The prediction error of the overall temperature rise is within 4.92%, and the flow field temperature prediction error of the stator is under 14.3%. The hydraulic characteristics is improved by 6.02%. The analysis of internal flow and energy exchange characteristics indicates the thermal effects and temperature distribution mechanisms caused by energy loss in the flow field within the HTC. The study provides an effective computational model for the prediction and control of the heat generation of the HTC and enhances the depth of research on the flow mechanism of inhomogeneous flow fields caused by thermal effects.