FRICTION OF TRANSMISSION CLUTCH MATERIALS AS AFFECTED BY FLUIDS, ADDITIVES, AND OXIDATION

Studies to elucidate the relationship between friction and automatic transmission operation have been conducted in two types of apparatus-one a full-scale transmission setup and the other a bench apparatus. Fluids, fluid oxidation, additives, and clutch plate materials were investigated. It has been found that both fluids and additives have an appreciable effect on friction characteristics. With respect to clutch plate materials, differences in friction characteristics were observed. Transmission tests, conducted in a nitrogen atmosphere, show that fluid deterioration by oxidation is not the only cause of clutch plate squawk.