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Sound power can be determined using a variety of methods, but precision methods require the volume of the noise source to be less than 1% of the chamber volume leading to relatively large test chambers. Automotive torque converter performance and noise testing is completed in an enclosed metallic test fixture which inhibits the use of precision methods due to volume and space limitations. This paper describes a new method developed to accurately determine sound power of an automotive torque converter in a relatively small enclosure through characterization of the test environment. The test environment was characterized using two reference noise sources designed to represent torque converter noise output and physical geometry. Sound pressure levels of the sources were measured at multiple microphone locations and at three source amplitude levels to characterize the environment.

This paper details testing for torque converter clutch (TCC) characterization during steady state and dynamic operation under controlled slip conditions on a dynamometer setup. The subject torque converter under test is a twin plate clutch with a dual stage turbine damper without a centrifugal pendulum absorber. An overview is provided of the dynamometer setup, hydraulic system and control techniques for regulating the apply pressure to the torque converter and clutch. To quantify the performance of the clutch in terms of control stability, pressure to torque relationship and the dynamic behavior during apply and release, a matrix of oil temperatures, output speeds, input torques, and clutch apply pressures were imposed upon the torque converter.