What is Torque Converters and How Does It Work?

A torque converter is a type of fluid coupling that transfers rotating power from a prime mover, like an internal combustion engine, to a rotating driven load. In vehicles with automatic transmissions, the torque converter connects the power source to the load. The torque converter is commonly located between the engine’s flexplate and transmission. The defining characteristic of a torque converter is its ability to multiply torque when the output rotational speed is so low that the fluid coming off the curved vanes of the turbine is allowed to deflect off the stator while it is locked against its one-way clutch, thereby providing the equivalent of a reduction gear. This is a feature that simple fluid couplings do not have. Simple fluid couplings can match rotational speed but do not multiply torque, therefore reducing power.

There are four main components within a torque converter housing: the pump, turbine, stator, and transmission fluid. The housing of the converter is fastened to the flywheel of the engine, so it turns at whatever speed the engine is running at. The fins, which make up the pump, are also attached to the housing, meaning they turn at the same speed. The pump within a torque converter is a type of centrifugal pump. As it spins, fluid is forced to the outside. As the fluid is propelled to the outside, it creates a vacuum that draws in more fluid to the center.

From here, the fluid enters the blades of the turbine, causing the transmission to spin. The blades of the turbine are curved, meaning the fluid has to change direction before exiting the center of the turbine. This directional change is what causes the turbines to spin. The fluid exits the turbine in a different direction than it entered, moving in the opposite direction of the pump. If the fluid were allowed to hit the pump, it would slow the engine down and diminish power. This is why torque converters need a stator.

The stator is located at the very center of the torque converter, where its job is to redirect the fluid returning from the turbine before it enters the pump again. The stator dramatically increases the efficiency of the torque converter. Stators have an aggressive blade design that almost entirely reverses the direction of the fluid. A one-way clutch in the stator connects it to a fixed shaft in the transmission. Because of this, the stator cannot spin with the fluid, only against it, forcing the fluid to change direction as it comes into contact with the stator blades.

In addition to allowing your car to come to a complete stop without stalling the engine, the torque converter also provides more torque when you accelerate out of a stop. Modern torque converters can double or triple the torque of the engine. To get the best out of your torque converter, make sure you are getting parts from a trusted source like Aerospace Exchange.

Aerospace Exchange provides different torque converter parts along with aircraft standard parts, aircraft bearings, aircraft fasteners parts, NSN parts, and connector parts for various military and civilian applications. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all types of unique parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. Our dedicated account managers are standing by and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@aerospaceexchange.com or call us at +1-714-705-4780.