A fluid coupling transmits rotary mechanical energy and is used in automobile transmissions, marine drive units, and hydraulic machines. It consists of an outer casing and two turbines, and is commonly called a torque converter in cars. Lock speed and heat are important factors in its design, and it can also be used as a braking system.
A fluid coupling is a device that converts or transmits rotary mechanical energy or energy to be used in other applications. Finding a home in automobile transmissions as well as marine drive units, this device is also a part of many manufacturing plants where hydraulic machines are used. It allows a machine to start running with less shock than a typical transmission would generate.
The fluid coupling consists of only three basic components. It contains an outer casing or casing, and two turbines, one inlet and one outlet. Both turbines are contained within the casing via hermetic seals. The inlet turbine is connected to the power source, typically an electric or internal combustion piston engine. The output turbine is connected to the drive train of the vehicle or the transmission system of a machine.
In a typical car, the fluid coupling is commonly called a torque converter. The torque converter bolts to the engine via the flywheel or starter ring and connects to the input shaft of the transmission. From there, it directly actuates and moves the vehicle. The design of this fluid coupling takes into account many variables, including optimum vehicle weight, torque, horsepower, operating speed and usage. All factors are carefully considered when choosing the proper locking speed and locking speed of the coupling.
Lock speed is the maximum speed the coupling can rotate at full power when the output turbine is locked in place. In a car, this is the maximum speed at which the engine can spin without spinning or spinning the drive tires. Engine power is measured in heat with a fluid coupling. Excessive heat can quickly ruin the component. This is the reason why racing transmissions do not work on vehicles driven on the street. Heat from heavy-duty converters burns out the transmission prematurely.
A fluid coupling works with a minimal amount of slippage designed into its design. A coupling cannot develop torque if both the input and output turbines are turning at the same speed. A well-tuned coupling can maintain 94 percent efficiency, with the remaining 6 percent expressed as heat.
The coupling can also be used as a braking system. The fluid absorbs the rotational forces and expresses them as heat as the motor decelerates. This is due to friction within the coupling as the fluid rushes through the turbines.
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