Sequential Gearboxes
Running Head: SEQUENTIAL GEARBOXES
Abstract This paper will discuss the technology of sequential gearboxes. Relatively new technology, the sequential gearbox has been applied mostly in ATV 's, motorcycles, and the automobile racing industry. Recently this technology has begun to reach passenger cars. There are three main points of discussion; the workings of a manual transmission, how a sequential gearbox works and the advantages of them, and the applications of it today. The sequential gearbox is extremely revolutionary and is only used in high-end passenger cars, but maybe one day it will be a luxury the majority of the population will be able to experience.
Sequential Gearboxes The sequential gearbox is a very interesting twist on a manual transmission. It dates back to the early 20th century; used mostly on motorcycles and other off road equipment during the World Wars (Italia, 1993). Since then this transmission has exploded into not only the racing world but also the passenger car world (Immell, 1994). Sequential gearboxes have numerous advantages over a standard manual transmission. To further understand the concept of a sequential gearbox one must know the basics of how a transmission works, and then can fully understand the advantages of a sequential gearbox.
Manual Transmission Basics Cars or motorcycles need transmissions because of the physics of the gasoline engine. First of all any engine has a redline. A red line is the maximum rpm value above which the engine cannot go without blowing up and sending parts flying everywhere. Transmissions use gears and gear ratios to keep the engine running under its redline. Secondly, transmissions are needed in order to keep the engine in its maximum torque range. Without a transmission the engine would not be efficient at all, because it would never stay in the rpm range with the most power (Brain, n.d.). The whole philosophy behind shifting gears is to keep the engine in its best
Abstract This paper will discuss the technology of sequential gearboxes. Relatively new technology, the sequential gearbox has been applied mostly in ATV 's, motorcycles, and the automobile racing industry. Recently this technology has begun to reach passenger cars. There are three main points of discussion; the workings of a manual transmission, how a sequential gearbox works and the advantages of them, and the applications of it today. The sequential gearbox is extremely revolutionary and is only used in high-end passenger cars, but maybe one day it will be a luxury the majority of the population will be able to experience.
Sequential Gearboxes The sequential gearbox is a very interesting twist on a manual transmission. It dates back to the early 20th century; used mostly on motorcycles and other off road equipment during the World Wars (Italia, 1993). Since then this transmission has exploded into not only the racing world but also the passenger car world (Immell, 1994). Sequential gearboxes have numerous advantages over a standard manual transmission. To further understand the concept of a sequential gearbox one must know the basics of how a transmission works, and then can fully understand the advantages of a sequential gearbox.
Manual Transmission Basics Cars or motorcycles need transmissions because of the physics of the gasoline engine. First of all any engine has a redline. A red line is the maximum rpm value above which the engine cannot go without blowing up and sending parts flying everywhere. Transmissions use gears and gear ratios to keep the engine running under its redline. Secondly, transmissions are needed in order to keep the engine in its maximum torque range. Without a transmission the engine would not be efficient at all, because it would never stay in the rpm range with the most power (Brain, n.d.). The whole philosophy behind shifting gears is to keep the engine in its best
References: Brain, M. (n.d.) How Sequential Transmissions Work. Retrieved March 27, 2005, from http://auto.howstuffworks.com/sequential-gearbox.htm Brejcha, M. (1993). Automatic transmissions and transaxles: Fundamentals of operation, 31-50. New Jersey. Prentice Hall. Immell, M. (1994). Automobiles Connecting People and Places, 36-51. San Diego. Lucent Books Inc. Italia. B. (1993). Great Automakers and their Cars. The Oliver Press Inc. Minneapolis. Markus, F. (2002 July). BMW M3 SMG. Car and Driver. Retrieved March 26, 2005, from http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=16& article_id=1878&page_number=1 Stone, M. (August 2002). Shifty Business. Motor Trend. Retrieved March 26, 2005, from http://motortrend.com/features/11_0208_trans/index.htm