A methodology for performance optimization of torque converters is put forward based on the one-dimensional (1D) flow model. It is found that the inaccuracy of 1D flow model for predicting hydraulic performance at the low speed ratio is mainly caused by the separation phenomenon at the stator cascade which is induced by large flow impinging at the pressure side of the stator blades. A semi-empirical separation model is presented and incorporated to the original 1D flow model. It is illustrated that the improved model is able to predict the circumferential velocity components accurately, which can be applied to performance optimization. Then, the Pareto front is obtained by using the genetic algorithm (GA) in order to inspect the coupled relationship among stalling impeller torque capacity, stalling torque ratio and efficiency. The efficiency is maximized on the premise that a target stalling impeller torque capacity and torque ratio are achieved. Finally, the optimized result is verified by the computational fluid dynamics(CFD) simulation, which indicates that the maximal efficiency is increased by 0.96%.
In the present research two different whole vehicle multibody models are established respectively, including rigid and rigid-flexible coupling multibody vehicle models. The former is all composed by rigid bodies while in the later model, the flexible rear suspension is built based on the finite element method （FEM） and mode superposition method, in which the deformations of the components are considered. The ride simulations with different speeds are carried out on a 3D digitalized road, and the weighted root mean square （RMS） of accelerations on the seat surface,backrest and at the feet are calculated. The comparison between the responses of the rigid and rigid-flexible coupling multibody models shows that the flexibility of the vehicle parts significantly affects the accelerations at each position, and it is necessary to take the flexibility effects into account for the assessment of ride comfort. C 2013 The Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. [doi： 10.1063/2.1301304]
