Modeling and experimental research on engaging characteristics of wet clutch

Abstract

PurposeTo gain in-depth understandings of engaging characteristics, the purpose of this paper is to improve the model of wet clutches to predict the transmitted torque during the engagement process.Design/methodology/approachThe model of wet clutch during the engagement process took main factors into account, such as the centrifugal effect of lubricant, permeability of friction material, slippage factor of lubricant on contact surface and roughness of contact surface. Reynolds’ equation was derived to describe the hydrodynamic lubrication characteristics of lubricant film between the friction plate and the separated plate, and an elastic-plastic model of the rough surfaces contact based on the finite element analysis was used to indicate the loading force and friction torque of the contact surface.FindingsThe dynamic characteristics of wet clutch engagement time, relative speed, hydrodynamic lubrication of lubricating oil, rough surface contact load capacity and transfer torque can be obtained by the wet clutch engagement model. And the influence of the groove shape and depth on the engaging characteristics is also analyzed.Originality/valueThe mathematical model of the wet clutch during the engagement process can be used to predict the engaging characteristics of the wet clutch which could be useful to the design of the wet clutch.