WHAT IS CLUTCHES
A clutch is a mechanical device that engages and disengages the
power transmission, especially from driving shaft to driven
shaft.
In the simplest application, clutches connect and disconnect two
rotating shafts (drive shafts or line shafts). In these devices, one
shaft is typically attached to an engine or other power unit (the
driving member) while the other shaft (the driven member)
provides output power for work.
TYPES OF CLUTCHES
Mechanical clutches
Friction clutches
i. Disc clutches;
(1 friction plate, 2 friction plates, 3friction
plates)
ii. Cone clutches
iii. centrifugal clutches
Pneumatic clutches
Hydraulic clutches
Electromagnetic clutches
Components
Flywheel: Transfers engine power to the
clutch
Input shaft: Transfers power from clutch to
the transmission
Clutch Disk (clutch): Splined to input shaft;
transfers power from engine to the input shaft
Pressure Plate Assembly: Spring pressure
tightly holds the clutch to the flywheel
Clutch Disc Types
Rigid
Flexible
Spring-type Pressure Plate
Diaphragm spring
Central spring
Cone clutch
Centrifugal clutch
Centrifugal clutch 2
F=mrω
Driven
ω shaft
Driving ω
shaft
Friction
lining
Total friction torque ,T = nµR(F-P)
Wet Clutch
Drive shaft (propeller) and joints
References
1] Julian Happian-Smith, “An Introduction to Modern Vehicle Design” 2002,
(Book)
2] Prem Kumar Dang, “Automobile Chassis design and calculations” 1984,
(Book)
3] Rajendra Karwa, “Text book of machine design” 2002, (Book)
Wet clutch
Torque converter
TT
TR = SR = T
TP p
2( RO3 − Ri3 )
TC = Fi
3( RO2 − Ri2 )
Tc = 50% : 100% Te max
F = A p = (π/4) (D2-d2) p
Where and Fn are the friction coefficient and axial force across contact surfaces respectively and n,
RO and Ri are the number of contact surfaces, the outer radius and the inner radius of contact surfaces
respectively.
The friction coefficient can be expressed as, [29].
(t ) = c1 + c 2 v(t ) + c3 v(t ) 2
Where, v(t ) is the sliding velocity, c1=0.17, c2= -0.16 and c3= 0.16.
Figure (3.11) shows the relation between the friction coefficient and the time, for constant engagement
rate.
Fig. (3.11): Coefficient of friction against engagement time
The axial force, F, equal to pressure force (PA). Fig (3.12) shows the relation between pressure
and time. This relation is a typical data from [28].
Fig. (3.12): Clutch pressure against engagement time
A computer program using MATLAB software has been built to obtain the clutch torque, Eq.
(3.41). Figure (3.13) shows the obtained clutch torque against time assuming the coefficient of
friction is constant wear.
Fig. (3.13): Clutch torque versus engagement time
A Ravigneaux-Planetary Gear SetEquivalent System with Lockup Clutch
A Compound planetary gears set
A longitudinally mount four speed automatic transmission layout
Radius of Inner 178 mm
disc
Radius of Outer 218 mm
disc
Clearance between 0.2 mm
discs
Number of discs 10
