HYDRODYNAMIC LOADING DEVICE
The operation of vehicles requires periodic transmission and engine diagnostics to determine such parameters as engine capacity, transmission efficiency and braking force. These parameters are determined on specialized loading and braking roller testing benches that can be equipped with different loading devices. One of such loading devices is hydraulic coupling that adjusts rotation resistance torque by filling coupling inner cavity. Such type of loading device can only be used to measure dynamic characteristics of the vehicle. The advantages of using the hydrodynamic coupling as a testing bench loading device ensure its wide application. However, a number of disadvantages prevent the use of hydrodynamic coupling in the brake bench, as well as in transferring the loading torque to the object of loading. To combine the functions of loading and breaking benches, a devise based on hydrodynamic coupling with constant filling of the inner cavity with working fluid is proposed. Loading torque control is achieved by changing the rotation frequency of the fluid coupling wheel, which, depending on the situation, can function as a pump or a turbine. Hydrodynamic coupling rotation frequency is controlled by the speed regulator of the electric engine. The device also provides coupling wheel blocking function to ensure constant loading torque. The research subject is a hydrodynamic device for loading automobile test benches that determine the operating parameters of internal combustion engines and automobile transmissions. In the course of research structural design of the loading device and the principles of its operation have been defined, and computational dependences for determining the loading torque have been developed.