SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Small Engine
Technology

 Transmission Development,
Evaluation, and Design
 

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  image of SwRI engineer using computer control and automatic data acquisition to evaluate the performance of a variety of transmissions and transaxles on dual DC dynamometer test stands
 

Using computer control and automatic data acquisition, SwRI evaluates the performance of a variety of transmissions and transaxles on dual DC dynamometer test stands.

Motorcycle and recreational vehicle drivetrain development at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) focuses on efficiently delivering engine power to the tire and road interface. SwRI optimizes the input/output ratios at the primary drive, transmission, and secondary drive while simultaneously maximizing the power density of each component. Institute engineers model, design, and analyze a wide array of power-transferring technologies, such as:

  • Belts

  • Chains

  • Gears

  • Automatic transmissions

  • CVT transmissions, both toroidal and push/pull belt types

image of SwRI facilities, which include transaxle, transmission, torque converter, and powertrain dynamometer test stands

SwRI facilities include transaxle, transmission, torque converter, and powertrain dynamometer test stands.

 

Maximizing Drivetrain Efficiency

SwRI engineers maximize drivetrain efficiency through a variety of techniques, including:

  image of SwRI's transaxle test stand, capable of testing transaxles for 1.3- to 5.8-liter engines, is specifically designed to eliminate differential speed effects
 

SwRI's transaxle test stand, capable of testing transaxles for 1.3- to 5.8-liter engines, is specifically designed to eliminate differential speed effects.

  • Reducing gear deflection

  • Minimizing shaft bending

  • Reducing windage and churning losses

To achieve maximum power density, engineers significantly reduce weight and optimize rotational inertia through:

  • Material selection

  • Surface improvements

  • Dry film lubrications

  • Controlled material processes

  • Component design optimization

For more information about transmission development, evaluation, and design capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Jim Carroll at jcarroll@swri.org or (210) 522-5015.
 

Contact Information

Jim Carroll

Small Engine Technology

(210) 522-5015

jcarroll@swri.org

Related Terminology

small engine research

small engine design

small engine development

small engine 
technology

motorcycle 
performance

motorcycle 
transmission

motorcycle testing

motorcycle
durability

motorcycle emissions

motorcycle engine testing

utility engines

ATV

ATV testing

ATV engines

PWC

snowmobiles

lawn mowers

generators
 

| Engine and Vehicle R&D | Engine, Emissions & Vehicle Research Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions.

October 29, 2009