Any transmission calibration engineers here? please read

[googledit]

New to the site. Have an opportunity to take a transmission calibration engineer position for an automotive company. I've been a process engineer in the automatic trans industry for ten years. Would like to understand the technical aspects of the job a little more. Pro's and Con's, etc. I've wanted to transisiton into this field for a long time and finally have my chance. However I wonder if it may be a little over my head. Any feedback would be MUCH appreciated.

 

[patprimmer]

Do you know what controls shift points, torque converter characteristics and clutch application rates?

I would think matching that to engine, chassis and consumer expectations is the key. Of course consumer expectations may be a confusing collection of contradictions.

Regards
Pat
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[GregLocock]

Go for it. It's an interesting area. Basically you are trying to preserve the mechanical parts of the trans while keeping the driver as happy as possible, and giving excellent fuel economy.

Cheers

Greg Locock


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[googledit]

Patprimmer,
Thanks for the reply. I have knowledge of the individual parts of the trans through my background as a clutch mfg and clutch assembly engineer. I understand the functions of the torque converter, valve body and solenoids. I realize the TCM controls the shift points via solenoids and torque converter apply/release.

I'm aware that a firm understanding of how a trans operates does not necessarily translate to comprehending the intricate details pressure/flow, apply/release characteristics without a significant amount of work.

I'm trying to be realistic and not get in over my head. This position requires the use of Simulink and Matlab. I used Matlab very little in college (over 12 years ago)and have never used Simulink. What tools do you use?

Thanks

 

[patprimmer]

I'm sorry, but my knowledge is not that specific and I am not a transmission calibration engineer. Greg is much more qualified to advise on software.

Of course you need to know how to use the required tools, but you also need to know how to evaluate your work.

A great chef I knew once said, before I can teach you to cook, you need to learn to eat. I am sure that something similar will apply here.

Regards
Pat
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[mattsooty]

Nobody notices a good transmission calibration - but a bad one will infuriate the driver.

It also depends on what area of trans cal you are talking about clutch pressure control/shift quality or shift scheduling. The difference is significant.

Shift Scheduling
There is a lot to do in terms of shift scheduling for emissions testing - but this is driven by a pinch each of common sense & science.
The shift scheduling for normal driveability means a lot of time in the car - and a lot of 'coaching' by 'experts'.

Pressure control/shift quality
Always at the behest of the quality guys who will want maximum durability from the mechanicals.
Always receiving 'coaching' on the presence of poor shifts etc

Both will mean a lot of time in the car, a lot of travel and a lot of fire fighting. Also some people struggle with the lack of 'ownership' of any tangible parts.

In terms of software MATLAB/Simulink are not difficult, especially when you are using them regularly and the application tool is most likely to be INCA, which takes no time at all to get the basics sorted.

If I were you I would go for it; its a varied & challenging job. Plus, if you don't like it you can always change with extra experience under your belt!

MS

 

[googledit]

Matt,
Thanks for the reply and the insight. I'm not sure if this position will entail both shift scheduling and control/quality or one. As far as I know, I'll be given a base cal from the guys writing the code and will be responisble for the final cal. Lots of driving and tweaking. I'm not sure if this position will require me to be the "expert" like you mentioned or if I will have some training. I'll need to find out. I have a feeling I'll have a steep learning curve.

Since I've been in manufacturing for so long, I know I've lost a lot of aptitude for higher level math. When I was told I'd be using MATLAB & Simulink I wondered how much math that would require. Will I be writing my own simulink model using matlab or will a large automotive company already have these simulations written? WIll I have to break out my old fluid dynamics books to figure this out?