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A Kinematic and Force Analysis of
Continuously Variable Transmission

Project Brief

Vehicle energy efficiency can be improved by continuously variable transmissions. Engine efficiency can be optimized to produce the power required to match driving conditions. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) evaluated a configuration that included:

• Index plate

• Cranking pins

• Overrunning clutches

• Synchro gears

• Bevel gear

• Recombination differential

• Final summing differential

This configuration was unique because all the gears and components were engaged at all times.

Types of Kinematic and Force Analysis Conducted

• A kinematic analysis that included various gear sizes, speeds, and load conditions to be entered.

• A force analysis of the loads throughout the transmission, including an index plate and crank pin load analysis.

• Efficiency projections including parasitic losses in the bearings and at the gear meshes for steady-state and downshift conditions.

• An investigation into the effects of overrunning gear acceleration discontinuities.

• Development of equations for the angular displacement, angular velocity, and angular acceleration of all transmission components.

• Performance optimization based upon the effects of controlled index plate oscillations.

The above analyses were combined into a user-friendly computer program simulation for use as a demonstration tool.

For more information about our drivetrain engineering capabilities and past performance briefs, or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Douglas Fussner at dfussner@swri.org or (210) 522-3972. 

drivetrain.swri.org

| Design and Development | 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 11 technical divisions.

December 28, 2012