Application of dynamic band brake model for enhanced drivetrain simulation

In a modern vehicle design process, analytical tools are widely employed to complement experimental approaches for design evaluation. When effectively utilized, they lead to a reduced development time with improved vehicle performance. The development process of an automatic transmission (AT) system can benefit from an analytical representation which accurately captures AT shifting behaviours. In a typical AT system, friction components such as wet clutches and band brakes are utilized to alter planetary gear configurations for automatic shifting. Thus, an accurate representation of friction component dynamics is critical in predicting AT shifting behaviour. Engagement characteristics of friction components vary widely under different operating conditions. Although the basic engagement physics was identified in the 1970s, it is relatively recently that a predictive, yet computationally efficient model became available. This paper describes the first attempt to utilize a dynamic friction component model in drivetrain simulations. Specifically, a dynamic band brake model is implemented to predict the up-shift behaviour of a four-speed AT system under various operating conditions. Simulation results are qualitatively validated with experimental data obtained from a dynamometer test stand. The dynamic band brake model enhances the shift predictability of a drivetrain model and potentially allows analytical evaluation of shift quality and control strategy.