Approximate Analysis of Stresses in Multiple Disc Clutch Teeth

An approximate analysis is given for the individual stress components and combined stresses existing in multiple disc clutch teeth, including those stresses resulting from the existence of spline friction. Two tooth forms, the trapezoid and the parabolic cut-out, are considered, and any actual tooth profile may be idealized to one or the other. Equations are given for the position and values of maximum stress.

The effects of changes in tooth geometry are considered and tabulated.

These analyses can be used for the purposes of rational design or failure analysis.

An industrial empirical disc diameter-thickness relation is examined and shown to actually represent a maximum shear stress criterion, which takes into account the presence of spline friction.