Stress-blended eddy simulation and visualization validation of unsteady viscous oil cavitation in hydrodynamic torque converter

TY - JOUR

T1 - Stress-blended eddy simulation and visualization validation of unsteady viscous oil cavitation in hydrodynamic torque converter

AU - Zhang, Jiahua

AU - Yan, Qingdong

AU - Ke, Zhifang

AU - Wang, Haoyuan

AU - Khoo, Boo Cheong

AU - Liu, Cheng

AU - Guo, Meng

AU - Wei, Wei

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2024

PY - 2025/2

Y1 - 2025/2

N2 - As hydrodynamic torque converter developing towards higher power density, leading to severe cavitation in the internal viscous oil, which adversely impacts performance and energy efficiency. This study introduces a novel borescope observation technology for visualizing cavitation in hydrodynamic torque converter. Utilizing this visualization approach alongside numerical calculation method, the research investigates transient cavitation phenomena within the torque converter, with a particular focus on the stator flow field. The development of a stress blended eddy simulation model for cavitation flow allows for an in-depth examination of the interaction between cavitation and vortex within the 3D enclosed flow field, elucidating the transient mass transfer process. Visualization successfully captures attached cavitation at the stator blade leading edge revealing a decrease in cavitation extent with increasing speed ratio. CFD simulations incorporating cavitation accurately predict the hydrodynamic performance, highlighting the significant impact of cavitation on performance metrics such as capacity factor and torque ratio. Identifying the critical cavitation number for torque converter underscores the adverse effects of cavitation on performance below this threshold. This comprehensive analysis, combining visualization and simulation, offers valuable insights into cavitation dynamics within hydrodynamic torque converter, laying a foundation for further optimization of flow mechanisms and performance improvement.

AB - As hydrodynamic torque converter developing towards higher power density, leading to severe cavitation in the internal viscous oil, which adversely impacts performance and energy efficiency. This study introduces a novel borescope observation technology for visualizing cavitation in hydrodynamic torque converter. Utilizing this visualization approach alongside numerical calculation method, the research investigates transient cavitation phenomena within the torque converter, with a particular focus on the stator flow field. The development of a stress blended eddy simulation model for cavitation flow allows for an in-depth examination of the interaction between cavitation and vortex within the 3D enclosed flow field, elucidating the transient mass transfer process. Visualization successfully captures attached cavitation at the stator blade leading edge revealing a decrease in cavitation extent with increasing speed ratio. CFD simulations incorporating cavitation accurately predict the hydrodynamic performance, highlighting the significant impact of cavitation on performance metrics such as capacity factor and torque ratio. Identifying the critical cavitation number for torque converter underscores the adverse effects of cavitation on performance below this threshold. This comprehensive analysis, combining visualization and simulation, offers valuable insights into cavitation dynamics within hydrodynamic torque converter, laying a foundation for further optimization of flow mechanisms and performance improvement.

KW - Cavitation

KW - Flow visualization

KW - Hydrodynamic torque converter

KW - Stress blended eddy simulation

KW - Viscous oil

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85211224462

U2 - 10.1016/j.aej.2024.12.013

DO - 10.1016/j.aej.2024.12.013

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:85211224462

SN - 1110-0168

VL - 114

SP - 663

EP - 680

JO - Alexandria Engineering Journal

JF - Alexandria Engineering Journal

ER -