Power Train: Definition, Functions, and Components

Power Train: Definition, Functions, and Components - when you use a vehicle, you will notice that the wheels of your vehicle can rotate. For vehicles with manual transmissions, you may be aware that when we position the transmission gear in a neutral position, or we step on the clutch, the wheels of the vehicle are no longer turning, why is that?

In short, this can happen because the vehicles we use use a power transfer system, where the energy generated from the combustion process in the cylinder is transmitted through a certain mechanism known as the vehicle power train. So what is a power train?

Understanding Power Train

Power train is a system that regulates the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels.

Power Train Function

The power train function is as follows:

• Disconnect and connect power from engine
• Changing speed and torque
• Allows the vehicle to move forward and backward
• Equalize the distribution of power on the wheels, so the vehicle can turn.

Type of Power Train

1. Mechanical
2. Hydrostatic
3. Electrostatic

Mechanical Power Train

Main components of Mechanical Power train:

• Engine: Generate power
• Clutch: Disconnecting and connecting rotation from engine to transmission
• Transmission: Controls speed, direction and torque to the next power train component
• Differential: Passes power on to final drive and allows the left and right wheels to spin at different speeds
• Final Drive/Rear Axel: Continuing the rotation from the axle drive to the wheels and at the same time carrying the weight of the vehicle.

The vehicles that you often see have different constructions in the placement of the engine and the power transmission process? For today's vehicles, you may be familiar with the machines in front. But it turns out that there are at least 4 types of power transfer systems.

Power transfers are generally divided into the following classifications:

• FF (Front Engine Front Wheel Drive)
• FR (Front Engine Rear Wheel Drive)
• RR (Rear Engine Rear Drive)
• FWD (Four Wheel Drive)

Front Engine Front Wheel Drive

This type of vehicle has an engine located in front and drives the front wheels.

The power transfer system is from the engine - Clutch - Transmission - Differential - Front Axle - Wheels

Front Engine Rear Wheel Drive

This type of vehicle has an engine located at the front and drives the rear wheels

The power transfer system is from the engine - Clutch - Transmission - Propeller shaft - Differential - Rear Axle - Wheels

Rear Engine Rear Wheel Drive

This type of vehicle has an engine located in the back and drives the rear wheels

The power transfer system is from the engine - Clutch - Transmission - Differential - Rear Axle - Wheels

Four Wheel Drive

Vehicles with engines that drive the front and rear wheels

That's the explanation of the power train. May be useful.