FRICTION MATERIAL/OIL INTERFACE FOR SLIPPING CLUTCH APPLICATIONS

A new successful friction material was developed to operate in the severe high-energy environment of the slipping clutch, including wet start clutch, continuous slip and limited slip applications. The new slipping material was based on the understanding of the interfacial phenomena occurring during the slipping operations. The resulting friction interface (friction material and lubricant combination) possesses the necessary heat dissipation, good shudder resistance and good launch feel. Bench, dynamometer and vehicle test results are presented and the underlying interfacial phenomena are discussed.