SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ENGAGEMENT OF A LOCKUP CLUTCH IN A TORQUE CONVERTER

A dynamic model is stored in memory that defines torque transmitted by the lockup clutch as a function of a plurality of torque converter operating parameters. A lockup clutch command is asserted to control engagement the lockup clutch, and thereafter a number of the plurality of torque converter operating parameters are monitored. A profile is selected of one of the plurality of torque converter operating parameters, and the profile is configured to result in an intersection of rotational speeds of the pump and the turbine over time when inserted into the model along with the monitored values of the number of torque converter operating parameters. The model is continually solved over time using the selected profile and the monitored operating parameters to produce transmitted torque values, and the lockup clutch command is modified based on the transmitted torque values.