Previously, experimental results for the velocity field in a torque converter pump showed strong jet/wake characteristics including backflows and circulatory secondary flows. To understand the fundamental flow behavior simplified analytical/numerical Navier-Stokes flow models were developed herein to independently analyze the pump pressure-to-suction side jet/wake flow, the core-to-shell side jet/wake flow, and the secondary flows. Parametric studies were undertaken to evaluate the effect that operating conditions and geometry had on the characteristics. Two relatively simple models were employed: (i) a rotating two-dimensional straight-walled duct to model the pressure-to-suction side jet/wake flow due to rotational Coriolis forces and (ii) a 180 deg flow bend to model the core-to-shell side jet/wake flow due to rapid radial/axial flow turning. The formation and development of the pump jet/wake flow was studied in detail. Results showed that the suction side wake, which was due to the counter-rotational tangential Coriolis force, was almost only a function of the modified Rossby number and independent of the Reynolds number. Increasing the modified Rossby number increased the pressure-to-suction side jet/wake flow. A geometric parameter that was seen to affect the pump flow was the backsweeping angle for the pressure-to-suction side jet/wake. Results showed that using backswept blades can completely eliminate the pressure-to-suction side jet/wake flow effect. Other geometrical parameters were tested but only a small to moderate influence on the jet/wake flow phenomena was found. Predicted trends compared favorably with experimental results.
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January 2005
Technical Papers
Fundamental Analysis of the Secondary Flows and Jet-Wake in a Torque Converter Pump—Part I: Model and Flow in a Rotating Passage
R. Flack
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903-2442
K. Brun
Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78238
Contributed by the Fluids Engineering Division for publication on the JOURNAL OF FLUIDS ENGINEERING. Manuscript received by the Fluids Engineering Division September 11, 2003; revised manuscript received September 7, 2004. Review Conducted by: J. Lee.
J. Fluids Eng. Jan 2005, 127(1): 66-74 (9 pages)
Published Online: March 22, 2005
Article history
Received:
September 11, 2003
Revised:
September 7, 2004
Online:
March 22, 2005
Citation
Flack, R., and Brun, K. (March 22, 2005). "Fundamental Analysis of the Secondary Flows and Jet-Wake in a Torque Converter Pump—Part I: Model and Flow in a Rotating Passage ." ASME. J. Fluids Eng. January 2005; 127(1): 66–74. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1852485
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