In order for the torque converter to obtain maximum torque multiplication, the stator must be __________ to redirect the fluid leaving the turbine.

In order for the torque converter to obtain maximum torque multiplication, the stator must be __________ to redirect the fluid leaving the turbine.

• A. held stationary
• B. engaging
• C. freewheeling
• D. rotating

Answer: (A)

Maximum torque multiplication happens when the stator is held stationary. The stator’s job is to redirect the fluid flowing from the turbine back toward the impeller. When the stator is fixed, this redirected fluid pushes on the impeller with its angular momentum in a way that reinforces the input torque, yielding the greatest gain at the wheels, especially during takeoff and low speeds. In most torques converters, a one-way clutch locks the stator at low speeds, keeping it stationary to maximize multiplication. As speed rises, the clutch releases and the stator can rotate with the turbine, which reduces the multiplication. If the stator were allowed to spin (freewheeling or rotating), the redirected flow would do less work on the impeller, so the torque boost would be smaller and not maximal.

Maximum torque multiplication happens when the stator is held stationary. The stator’s job is to redirect the fluid flowing from the turbine back toward the impeller. When the stator is fixed, this redirected fluid pushes on the impeller with its angular momentum in a way that reinforces the input torque, yielding the greatest gain at the wheels, especially during takeoff and low speeds.

In most torques converters, a one-way clutch locks the stator at low speeds, keeping it stationary to maximize multiplication. As speed rises, the clutch releases and the stator can rotate with the turbine, which reduces the multiplication.

If the stator were allowed to spin (freewheeling or rotating), the redirected flow would do less work on the impeller, so the torque boost would be smaller and not maximal.