Dynamic Models for Torque Converter Equipped Vehicles

A dynamic model for the coupled engine-torque converter-vehicle system was developed to allow mathematical analysis and performance prediction for engine or powertrain controls in torque converter equipped vehicles.

The principal contribution of this work is the derivation and justification of a static nonlinear terminal model of the torque converter. This model, when approximated, allows simple coupling of available engine, geartrain, and vehicle models.

The resulting differential equations provide a reasonably simple, physically justified model for engine and vehicle behavior when driven by large signal variations in either engine net torque output or vehicle load.