How Torque Converters Work! (Animation)

[@Pretermitted]

The genius behind this is so undervalued. Imagine having to come up with this on your own where would you start?

[@ThomasSchwenke-knowledge]

+Pretermit Well, normally, it happens (a) after a long time of trial and error and (b) with a lot of luck :)

[@Pretermitted]

+Thomas Schwenke and (c) a lot of creativity in linking various fields/pieces of knowledge together. Quality explanation, you have another sub.

[@baptizedbyfire13]

+Pretermit What a profound statement, which i could not have agreed with more. For a seemingly simple assembly, the dynamics are pretty freaking complicated. Those impeller blades have to be at the exact right angle to meet the torque requirement and displacement. A lot of mind bending mathematical formaulae going on here

[@123Sander1231]

+Pretermit I could not agree more.

[@oldtwins]

+jlerro1981 Engineering refinement too as these have to be built in mass production at cost effective prices for economy cars and built to be reliable. It is truly amazing how they took a complex piece of design into common use for the masses.

[@deusexaethera]

The stator assembly never seems to be explained adequately, so I will explain it now: The stator redirects fluid flow exiting the input turbine, so the fluid impacts the output turbine more forcefully. This allows the fluid to transfer its kinetic energy to the output turbine more effectively. However, the stator also creates a lot of turbulence in the fluid, and therefore wastes some amount of energy in the process. To minimize this effect, the stator is mounted on a one-way bearing that allows it to spin freely in one direction, so it stops interfering with fluid flow when the torque converter is spinning at high speed. This "unlocking" occurs once the entire torque converter is spinning fast enough that the forward rotation of the torque converter overwhelms the force of the fluid trying to spin the stator backwards. Since the force trying to spin the stator backwards depends on the total amount of force being transmitted through the torque converter, that means the exact moment when the stator unlocks and starts spinning depends on how hard the vehicle is accelerating. In layman terms, the stator is always locked when the car first starts accelerating, and it unlocks when you finish accelerating and start cruising at your intended speed. You can re-lock the stator by stomping on the gas pedal, and you can unlock the stator again by easing off the gas pedal or coasting. There's no reason for you to do this on purpose, though, because locking the stator is only useful during hard acceleration, and the extra efficiency from unlocking the stator only matters at high speeds. Just let the stator do its job and drive the car normally.

[@deusexaethera]

I should clarify: I used the terms "locking" and "unlocking" to refer to the stator's two modes of operation, but these terms are more often used to refer to the clutch at the front of the torque converter. The purpose of this clutch is to completely bypass the torque converter when cruising at high speed, locking the engine to the transmission exactly like a foot-operated clutch in a manual transmission. The clutch and the stator are two separate devices with different purposes, and the fact that both of them can "lock" and "unlock" should not be interpreted to mean they do the same job.

[@DennisSantos]

Very well explained.

[@deusexaethera]

+Dux +Unum, I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.

[@lmff620]

Can you expound further on what makes the Koenigsegg torque converter unique or novel? Is it the case that in a conventional automatic transmission, the job done by gears in a manual transmission is done by changing the angle of the blades in the stator, starting at an angle that generates max torque when the car is at rest, etc? Does this happen in the stator or where? In the Koenigsegg, as I understand it, the electric motor spins up the torque converter, but from there I am lost. Thanks.

[@deusexaethera]

+Dux +Unum: My profile picture is not the Rising Sun, it's a parody of the Rising Sun. Click on it to see a larger version. Also, the Chinese seem to be very easily offended by anything foreigners do that they dislike, so I'm not inclined to care if they dislike my funny profile pic.

[@TheRobDog24]

Just discovered these videos and as an engineering student I think you're doing an incredible job man! It's interesting how little people know about a vehicle that they use on a daily basis and by explaining components with exploded views and your steady voice it is extremely helpful it providing people with valuable information that will let them understand their pride and joy (cars) better. Great job, man. Keep it up! :)

[@Bassotronics]

In short, my car is moving due to the kinetic force of a liquid. It's amazing how much force is applied to a liquid which can move tons of metal up a hill.

[@baptizedbyfire13]

+Bassotronics Excellent relation and use of analogy.

[@WhereisJesus]

Not so amazing when you consider liquid is merely a state of matter.

[@Bassotronics]

Faisal7HTX Then consider that little amount of matter doing all that work. Still amazing. :)

[@MariusVerbavicius]

.

[@Bassotronics]

I really would think with all the pressure, heat and speed that's in a torque converter, the oil would vaporize. Especially under huge stress.

[@haraldgrnvold5518]

This might be the best video on the subject on youtube. Perfect animation on the principle in place. - Norwegian mechanical engineer

[@jasonmateus924]

it is the simplest explanation that worked for me anyways!- Canadian weekend mechanic

[@egustafson]

Best interpretation of a torque converter I've ever seen. I've always pictured in in my head but but you've made my dreams come true!

[@olivor_h]

This video is excellent, a perfectly clear and understandable explanation of a fairly complex device.

[@AspectOfTheStorm]

Ah! He said the magic words. "Because the fluid flows back more slowly". I just watched over an hour of videos on torque converters and kept failing to realize the relationship between the stator, when the clutch engages and its purpose, and how the torque is physically multiplied. But now it makes sense. Since the pump is constantly spinning at engine speed and there's pressure being built up at the stator, adding more "leverage", if you will to the pump. And when this leverage is no longer needed at high speed the clutch is engaged essential making it 1 synchronized mechanism.

[@jakublulek3261]

And than you do obvious thing, instead static you use variable blades for stator. Bam, you have variable torque multiplication convertor! From 1948. Buick Dynaflow never stopped fascinate me. How simple and beautiful.

[@johngraham4951]

outstanding, precise, sufficient detail and concise, many others could learn technical presentation from you.

[@ThomasSchwenke-knowledge]

john graham Thanks alot :)

[@mathewmclean9128]

john graham I agree!

[@darrenmadden7137]

Wow i totally agree that made very good sense torque converters have def come a long way since the seventies

[@baptizedbyfire13]

I am impressed with this video. What I am even more-so impressed with is the majority of intelligent KZbinrs responding to this video. Seriously, I could spend all day reading the observation and responses and complimenting on many. Some real bright individuals who simply "get it". Now if only I could surround myself with people like this in my real life. My colleagues here at work are a joke.

[@9akrish]

this is by far the best explaination of torque converter in youtube

[@msnmath1228]

It’s amazing that a team of mechanical engineers and physicists came up with this genius device. To just sit there and brainstorm this is amazing to me

[@AutOdometer]

literally the BEST torque converter explanation ive seen on the web thank you!

[@AutOdometer]

Why? I found it lol

[@GeneralCuster14]

Can't even being to imagine how long it took someone to figure all of this out... wonderful explanation! Thank you!

[@slashusr]

Brilliantly presented and explained! A much more complicated an invention than say, the wheel; yet demonstrated with such clarity that even a Sumerian might understand. Thank you, Thomas Schwenke!

[@JoseHernandez-nv1xo]

Dude, I've never been so amazed by an explanation video. Very sweet, I liked the way you added the flow of fluid, that was a great visual!

[@fawkesash]

Amazing ! I never comment on videos but I am mechanical engineer who design engines and I was fascinated. This is how you create videos / presentations !! Kudos Sir !

[@ThomasSchwenke-knowledge]

+fawkesash Hi, great to hear that. Thx!

[@YouTubestopsharingmyrealname]

This is the Best animation I have seen for torque converter operation. Great work!

[@devilinblue72]

Ah KZbin, 139,865,329 cat videos... But for every 1000 cat videos, there is one really useful video like this one. Great job!!

[@bpetnoi1472]

I like cat videos, but I am also an auto mechanic and found this very interesting. Automatic trans are something I never worked on other than R&R.

[@waverlh]

I've been looking for a video that would quickly demonstrate the fluid flow of a converter. Well done!

[@jeffm4284]

This is a fantastic explanation! Many thanks for producing this. I've always wondered how a torque convert works and what's inside. This is a brilliant contraption.

[@burakokumus6040]

Very nice explanation and animation. Thank you

[@ThomasSchwenke-knowledge]

Thanks! Feel free to share it with friends and family :)

[@DaBoogie049]

Die Animationen und der Kommentar, das ist ganz tolle Arbeit! Sehr durchdacht und sehr anschaulich erklärt!

[@chanelmotootua7381]

Thanks buddy for bringing up these videos. I'm from Samoa and I'm graduated with an APTC automotive mechanic certificate. my dream was to become a specialist in automotive and I wanted to go overseas for that after my graduation at APTC. But too bad for me. I can't due to some very important reasons but these videos helps me to understand more. hope I'll be able to watch more very important videos from u. thanks:)

[@richardk6238]

I could listen to this guy talk all day

[@darksim_000]

This is one of the most ingenious inventions I've ever seen, despite its outrageous simplicity

[@aaronw2522]

this animation was really good for explaining this to me. I don't know how whoever created that did it but whoever it was did a great job and I thank you very much for publishing this.

[@shashankshekhar4441]

Now , after watching this video , i have a clear idea of the working of torque convertor. Thanks a lot ,Thomas Schwenke !

[@LSC2001]

It's really amazing that vehicles are as responsive as they are considering their weight and the fact that it's all transferred through fluid. This system works as good as if it was all connected directly through gears. Crazy.

[@retroguitarmaster]

The most excellent video i've seen explaining this complicated mechanism

[@ThomasSchwenke-knowledge]

Thank you very much for your comment!

[@baptizedbyfire13]

wow. Just wow. This is the best educational video on the 'Tube that I personally have found. Excellent demographic and detail in explanation. All my years in playing 'round with cars and I finally have a good understanding of what goes on behind the scenes. Next stop....how a Diesel works

[@Whackfear]

Apart from the "centrifugal forces" part, awesome explanation. Way better than most other videos out there.

[@bt4350]

Great explanation, thank you. Finally makes sense and makes me appreciate my manual transmission so much more!

[@VictorDunkle]

I saw your website and I really like it. So much to learn. I have a never ending thirst for knowledge of auto mechanics so this great. No to mention all the reputable auto schools are near or more 100s of miles from my county

[@blackhawkLprince]

great vid. the animations make these topics easier to understand.

[@ThomasSchwenke-knowledge]

blackhawkLprince Thanks alot for your comment! :)

[@AJstylesmedia]

Hey man thanks for this. This was the best video I have seen on the torque converter...............

[@noscopesallowed8128]

Whoever discovered that a simple fluid can transmit that much torque is an absolute genius. The middle piece that creates the unbalance in flow is also very impressive. I didn't realize that was possible at all.

[@bsambo1959]

Thank you for this. I just learned in less than 5 minutes what I never know in detail for many years. Nicely done and thank you again.

[@rjvowels]

This video makes waaaaaay more sense than the other one i watched....

[@tedking6790]

This video is a wonderful tool. I’m old. I learned this stuff from a book, it was not something I read once and understood, and even after gaining a theoretical understanding, and taking a number of slush boxes apart, I still had trouble visualizing the process as clearly as this video presents it. Thanks, it’s like learning something all over again, what was Old seems new. Liked and subscribed.

[@THESLlCK]

awesome

[@James_Young_]

think how amazingly genious the person to first create a torque converter was!

[@nishanks93]

You're getting better with your narration. Keep it up man, this channel deserves more recognition!

[@blazerunner9982]

I knew liquid is an extremely versatile material but i'am still amazed by what people's coming up with , very nice video indeed .

[@burrowssj]

I'm studying for my apprenticeship and just wanted to say thanks for this video!

[@marmot201]

Thanks for this explanation. I have a faulty torque converter and now I know what it does. Very clear explanation, wonderful animation, and concise commentary.

[@carolynschlaile5039]

Hello. My I ask what symptoms you vehicle was having that made you come to the conclusion it was the torque converter?

[@TRUCKERJOES]

how does the fluid get to the impeller?

[@lexsoft3969]

That is the same question from me which is not shown/explained in this video. I guess there is a fluid pump which is connected directly to the torque converter hub using "flats". As the torque converter shell is bolted and rotates with the engine's crankshaft, the torque converter drives the fluid pump. This arrangement also ensures that the fluid pump only spins when the engine works.

[@PiercarloCiacchi]

You the man. Your explanations are awesome. This helps at least half the world that does not have any idea of what there is under a hood! ;-)

[@ابومحمد-ظ3ب6ش]

Piercarlo Ciacchi

[@chuckscuncio7494]

Thorough, brief and informative ! Well done.

[@bLaffix]

Excellent animation, explained it very elegantly.

[@krisvitak]

excellent! nice to see very well explained videos, it's good to see that people take time to teach several things so that others can be less ignorant, nice work keep it up, subscribed!

[@pankajmourya147]

i have my exams, and guess what this help me a lot, thanks thomas :)

[@Megadriver]

Very clever piece of design - the torque converter. Also the video was nicely done. Well explained and well presented. Liked!

[@veemacks7255]

megadriver6 Really? Why is it a great design. All I saw was an impeller using fluid to spin a turbine. Directly welding the impeller to the turbine would spin it even better, and at 100% (not 90%). I don't think the video explained at all what's the purpose of doing that. Just saying "it multiplies the torque" didn't help me. Too dumb?

[@Megadriver]

Alien Or Sutin Sure it is a simplified explanation, but most people will understand it better. Cause me and other petrolheads, we know whats happening in our cars in detail, but the standard motorist doesn't. Also, don't you think that the automatic transmission is a clever piece of machinery?

[@veemacks7255]

The TC is the only part of my car I [still] don't understand.

[@Megadriver]

Alien Or Sutin Best advice I can give you is to go to a mechanic who is working on an automatic transmission and ask him questions. Best to do so if you are friends with said mechanic. A friend of mine who works in a Benz dealership showed me how the 4G tronic works in detail. They had one for an overhaul and I spent half a day there examining parts XD

[@TheTornado121]

Alien Or Sutin Well what would happen if you come to a stop if the impeller and turbine are connected? Engine stall. And that's exactly why this thing is in an automatic transmission. Since there is no clutch paddle, the whole process of "slowly releasing the clutch" has to be done by something. That something is a torque converter.

[@griffonu]

My main problem was understanding WHY torque multiplication happens. The explanation in the video seems inaccurate, stating at 2:22 "the result is a multiplication in torque, because the fluid flows back more slowly". While in fact the explanation (found out from other sources) has to do with vortex flow and how the speed of fluid keeps on adding up. That being said, nice videos! :)

[@omsingharjit]

2:29 how it increases the torque just by changing the angle of flow ?? , M confused because in gear system torque are generated by changing the high rotational speed into lower using gears ? Do what for this case (it's based on fluid dynamics ) ?

[@steve-wu7jp]

wow, great. I hope Google or apple hires this guy.

[@damonkay4177]

this is so much better than my profs explanation... maybe i can actually pass my midterm now

[@Musicdudeyoutub]

Your animations and explanations are fantastic!

[@daveweisbrich1769]

Excellent video.... short, understandable, complete.

[@Gcrilla]

Man I've hit the jackpot with this channel great vids!!!

[@ThomasSchwenke-knowledge]

Gcrilla Great to hear that! Visit www.bring-knowledge-to-the-world.com :)

[@LukeChavers]

Wow..... your videos are AMAZING. It sounds as though English is not your first language, so I am grateful that you took the time to produce these in English. Your clear explanations and beautiful 3d illustrations make concepts that otherwise may be difficult to grasp, easily understood in just a few short minutes. Thank you for this. Subscribed.

[@hectorko5555]

this is the greatest explanation I was able to find so far, thank you very much!

[@ThomasSchwenke-knowledge]

***** Great to hear that. Thank you for your comment :)

[@otuyelusoji]

Like I commented in another of your animated illustration of how 4 strokes engine works, the voice is not human voice, but text reader. I like your works.

[@ThomasSchwenke-knowledge]

Akinsoji Otuyelu No, it's my voice :)

[@purplexenno]

Thomas Schwenke I'm going to assume then that english isn't your first language. You miss pronounced some words or didn't enunciate them correctly. for instance it's stay-tor. just a heads up for you.

[@purplexenno]

purplexenno hmm, just realised that i should point out in stay-tor, the "t" is hard. as in tree or top.

[@venkateshgedela7880]

Your animation too nice. very easy to understand.

[@freequest]

An incredible piece of engineering. And we take it all for granted.

[@peterbright4562]

Excellent, you have great engineering understanding to explain so simply.

[@cloroxbleach118]

IT MAKES SENSE. IT MAKES FUCKING SENSE!

[@majesticjavelin9393]

Thank you for this video! makes it so much easier to understand my college book. I'll be sure to recommend your channel to my fellow students :)

[@ThomasSchwenke-knowledge]

Majestic Javelin Great to hear that. Check out my website: www.bring-knowledge-to-the-world.com

[@amrhassan9277]

Much appreciation for your videos. Excellent work. it really helps grasping everything all together!

[@mossy2571]

hey Thomas, I was just watching the this vid in ur german channel and wondering why u don't go international. Just found out u have already! I just wanted to say tausend Dank man! you're helping a lot of people. great english skills btw ;)

[@ThomasSchwenke-knowledge]

Thanks :)

[@NIGHTOWL-jf9zt]

Great explanation of how fluid under pressure acts as a manual transmissions pressure plate and throw out bearing to apply the clutch, and lock up the torque converter with the output shaft to provide torque and kinetic energy to move the components of the Automatic transmission. Next please explain to the people how the fluid pressure acts to engage the clutch pacts inside of the Automatic transmission to shift through the gears.

[@mariaguardia9064]

Thanks Mr Thomas I finally got to understand how does it work!

[@pdb4men]

Wow this is.. woow .. they need this in every mechanics class

[@Daviemes13]

I just watched another video on this same thing and they bored the hell out of me! Your video was straight forward, too the point and very informative! I like this! Great job. Thanks.

[@Thesinter1]

Really good amination and explanation! Waiting for more videos related to the fluid power!

[@drumcoversbydick]

Awesome videos and beautiful animations! Helping a physicist learn about engineering :D

[@shrikantkusnurkar4695]

Which 3d animation software did you use to make this?

[@ThomasSchwenke-knowledge]

Carrara 8 Pro.

[@shrikantkusnurkar4695]

Thanks for reply.

[@Erlkonig24]

First video I've seen that is better than that on EngineeringExplained channel ;) Thank you

[@Felix-rc4wv]

I find this video tells you more about what torque converters do than how torque converters work.

[@ThomasSchwenke-knowledge]

+Felix Chien Watch again! You are the first who tells me that :)

[@Cholycat]

+Thomas Schwenke I have a question. While the torque multiplication is being used, what's doing the stator? Does it spin or it is stopped? Because this part has a bearing to have free movement. The oil can go through the stator in two different ways, over the blade or under it; that's why it has to move or be still.

[@Felix-rc4wv]

+Thomas Schwenke I definitely regard this as an excellent video with great visuals. The animation itself is so good, it alone explains how torque converters are working. Incredible job on these videos. I (and I'm sure countless others) have greatly benefited from the videos you have provided. We are indebted to people like you who freely provide knowledge. I hope the following can be seen as constructive criticism. This is just my opinion (which can be wrong) but I would have explained things differently. It may just be a matter of differences in opinion and teaching style. So...to clarify what I meant by my original comment: I feel the explanation in the video explains the process itself (very well), but doesn't explain from the "big picture" or theory down to it's application. Or in other words, how the principle at work is being applied. If you're intending to follow the animation of the video, then this makes sense. To me it just seems like the details are being discussed without explaining how everything is fitting together. So again, this is why the video appears to me to "explain what happens in a torque converter rather than explaining how it works".

[@omsingharjit]

2:45 if such coupling are needed even with rotation isolation system then why such fluid type system used for ? Instead of direct coupling ? Its kind of paradox for me !!

[@TechTrader108]

superb video abd explanation.... kudos to your efforts

[@blipblop92]

good modelling and animation thank you so much for your work!

[@DoomFinger511]

There is no way my dumbass mechanic understands this.

[@JerryC25]

DoomFinger511 lmao

[@mohammedimran4576]

Really simple and smoothly explained.... !!! thanks

[@ijustlivehere15]

thanks a lot buddy...you just helped me study for my test

[@DoriZero]

Dobbie didn't die Harry Potter revived him and now Dobbie has a KZbin channel. I subbed now.

[@maxanguiano6935]

Thomas Schwenke, your videos are great! Thank you!

[@MuhammadHaniMuhammad]

Perfect ! I've been looking for something like that. Thanks a lot

[@kunalsadavarte5667]

This helped a lot !!! Thank you Mr. Thomas Schwenke !! :-D

[@Ba11leFieldAce]

Hey Thomas, your videos are amazing, thank you for taking time too make these. I would go on but I already commented on your video about diesel engines.

[@ThomasSchwenke-knowledge]

Jonathan sauder Thanks alot :)

[@gertv2]

Mate, your videos are awesome. Keep it up!

[@shinyparts]

That was a great explanation - thank you so much for making this video!

[@HeadakusMaximus]

Great video! Good job on the animation. Couple of things on the English though. 1) At 1:23 you say "Because, for example, torque conversion and energy ...." This should read "Because torque conversion and energy ..." The "for example" is distracting because you are setting the listener up to receive an example, but instead they get a statement. 2) At 4:02 you say "The torque multiplication has ceased." In this case 'c' is said with it's 's' sound. So instead of saying "key-ssed" it is said 'sea-ssed'. In technical writing and speaking try to avoid common street talk. For example: "You could say..." is not a phrase you want to use when making declarative statements about how a device operates. Hope this helps and thanks again for sharing this knowledge and your excellent animation skills.

[@ThomasSchwenke-knowledge]

Thank you for your comment. I'll try to make you happy :)

[@falsemirrors]

Thomas Schwenke thanks a lot,it was very useful to me. well done!

[@RetardedTulio]

Nice animations and a great explanation. Thank you.

[@I-Love-Taylor-Swift]

Very good. I now understand how my auto gearbox works in my beloved Mercedes-Benz!

[@stuartwood2677]

10/10 Video on all acounts. Perfect.

[@Oofsmageroo]

I very much enjoyed this animation for studying for my transmission test. However the only thing i wish you added was that the stator must hold during phase 1/2 acceleration and then freewheel once coupled or else vortex flow remains in the converter, excess heat generated etc. still a very good animation. thank you!

[@ThrottleChannelcom]

Very good interpretation! Congratulations!

[@fleiva30]

great soothing explanation

[@kanchankrishan3350]

superb animation for description...