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From: u568291613ea@ucdavis.UUCP (u568291613ea)
Newsgroups: net.auto,net.auto.tech
Subject: Continuously Variable Transmissions
Message-ID: <163@ucdavis.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 7-Feb-86 16:28:52 EST
Article-I.D.: ucdavis.163
Posted: Fri Feb  7 16:28:52 1986
Date-Received: Thu, 13-Feb-86 23:42:57 EST
Distribution: net
Organization: University of California, Davis
Lines: 20
Xref: linus net.auto:8421 net.auto.tech:762


   Has anyone heard much about Continuously Variable Transmissions
(CVT) lately ?  All I've ever heard has to do with implementing the
darn thing.  What about optimization of usage ?
    It's my understanding that many engines (even high-performance
ones) are plagued by peaky torque and power cruves.  It seems as though
these drawbacks could be turned to one's advantage through the use of
a computer controlled CVT.
     The controller, sensing the throttle pedal position, could set the
CVT ratio as a function of a preprogrammed power or torque curve for 
maximum acceleration or maximum fuel economy.  Granted, this would take
the fun out of shifting and all its associated pleasures (catching 2nd, 
feeling the command of the vehicle, etc ) and might hamper serious
cornering techniques which use the engine for deceleration.  An all-out
drag car, though, would seem to gain an extra ooommph over the
competitor.
     What's the scoop ?  All criticism of the above ideas is welcomed.
                                     Stephan Schell
                              "Send me mail.  I LOVE mail."
                            ucdavis!deneb!u568291613ea@ucbvax.Berkeley.ARPA