Full-Toroidal Traction Drive Variator Material and Fluid Durability

Full-toroidal traction drives (IVT, TCVT & TVAD) have demonstrated a significant fuel economy, emissions and cost benefits across a diverse range of applications. However, increasing emphasis is being placed on power density and endurance limits, hence additional demands are being placed on the ability of the variator elements and traction fluid to withstand the heavily loaded rolling contact fatigue conditions within the variator. This paper describes the experimental work done to demonstrate the high temperature durability of traction fluid and variator disc and roller material. In addition, the latest fatigue endurance limit testing results are presented which provide further evidence of traction fluid ‘fill for life’