Wet clutch engagement characteristics

Abstract: A wet clutch test rig has been built to examine the engagement characteristics of wet clutch plates. The apparatus is specially designed to include a drive torque. Input and output characteristics of the apparatus are similar to those in automotive automatic transmissions. The research has clarified the effects of operating parameters on the engagement characteristics of a wet clutch. The drive torque has a major effect on the engagement, but the friction coefficient is mainly independent of the operating conditions. The temperature rise is approximately a linear function of the developed energy. Increased temperature extends the engagement time and lowers the torque capacity, due to decreased friction coefficient. A FEM model were developed that describes the dynamic and thermal behaviour of a wet clutch engagement, it includes a drive torque and a two-dimensional heat model. Experiments were made with control of wet clutch engagements to improve temperatures and smoothness.