Gearboxes in modern cars and their applications

Gearboxes in modern cars and their applications

Gearboxes have come a long way since the invention of the automobile. Here's a simple guide to the different transmissions in use today. 

OneShift Editorial Team
OneShift Editorial Team
12 Jun 2013

Torque Converter Automatics

Automatic transmissions contain a torque converter which is equivalent to the clutch in a manual transmission system. The converter is a fluid coupling which enables the engine to rotate at a speed which is independent of the transmission. The converter allows the car to come to a complete stop without stalling the engine and provides more torque when the vehicle is accelerating.

The torque converter housing is bolted to the flywheel of the engine and turns at the same speed as the engine. Inside the torque converter, there is a transmission fluid pump which pumps more fluid as the engine speed increases, a turbine that is connected to the transmission, and a stator between the pump and the turbine that controls the fluid direction.

The torque converter transmits power from the engine to the transmission in three modes of operation. In the first mode, the converter allows the transmission to stay in gear while the engine is turning and the vehicle is not moving. In the second mode, the converter produces a torque multiplication as the vehicle accelerates and more fluid is pumped into the converter. In the third mode, the converter directly couples most of the energy from the engine to the transmission when the vehicle has achieved the desired speed.

The videos were kindly provided by Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained. Jason studied Mechanical Engineering at North Carolina State University. His love for all things automotive led him to create his YouTube channel as a way to share his passion and also to further his knowledge on the subject. Jason currently lives in Portland, Oregon and drives a 1999 Acura (Honda) Integra.

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