Fernand A. Thomassy, director of technology innovation at Fallbrook Technologies, will present “Principles of Modeling Fluid Traction in a Continuously Variable Planetary Transmission” on Friday, Oct. 19, at 1 p.m. in 1409 Wiggins Hall. The seminar is hosted by Auburn University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Rolling traction devices, generally known as continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), are made possible by fluids that perform simultaneous and vital functions. Like most transmission fluids, traction fluids are designed to provide a separating film between contacting elements and carry additives to reduce foaming and improve component life. At the same time, a traction fluid is unique in that it is designed to increase shear stress capacity in order to facilitate load transfer from one rolling element to another.

It is essential to CVT designers that traction properties are accurately modeled in order to estimate performance of a new device. Thomassy will discuss principles of traction modeling and how they are used in product development, as well as how power is transmitted across the rolling traction contact. He will also explain how to set up equations for traction modeling.