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Question

Difficulty: EasyClutches and Transmissions

During vehicle acceleration, an automatic transmission torque converter transfers rotational energy using hydraulic fluid. What is the correct sequence of fluid movement through the torque converter components?

  1. 1The engine-driven impeller (pump) accelerates transmission fluid outward toward the outer housing.
  2. 2Pressurized fluid strikes the vanes of the turbine to rotate the transmission input shaft.
  3. 3Fluid exits the center of the turbine and flows into the stator.
  4. 4The stator redirects the fluid back into the impeller in the direction of engine rotation.

Answer

The fluid moves first from the engine-driven impeller, flows outward to strike the turbine blades, discharges inward through the stator, and is redirected back into the impeller.
In a torque converter, the engine rotates the outer housing and impeller (pump), which pushes hydraulic fluid outward toward the turbine. The fluid drives the turbine connected to the transmission input shaft. As the fluid exits the turbine, the stationary or one-way stator redirects the fluid flow into the impeller in the direction of rotation, completing the continuous hydraulic loop.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the driving component connected directly to the engine.
The impeller (pump) spins with the engine and flings fluid outward by centrifugal force.
Fluid flow must originate at the power input source.
2
Trace the path of pressurized fluid exiting the impeller.
Fluid crosses the torus gap and strikes the turbine vanes to drive the transmission input shaft.
The turbine is the driven member that receives fluid energy.
3
Follow the spent fluid as it leaves the turbine.
Fluid flows inward from the turbine blades into the central stator.
The stator is positioned between the turbine and impeller to capture returning fluid.
4
Identify the redirection of fluid returning to the start of the cycle.
Stator vanes redirect the fluid so that it re-enters the impeller in the same direction as engine rotation.
This redirection multiplies torque and prevents fluid from resisting impeller rotation.

Key Concept

Torque Converter Hydrodynamic Power Flow
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Clutches and Transmissions

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