PRACTICE AND THEORY IN CLUTCH DESIGN

The objects of this paper are to (a) set down in convenient form for reference purposes particulars concerning American and British practice in clutch design, (b) compare the advantages and disadvantages of various types of clutch and (c) give some notes on the theory of design without attempting comprehensive treatment of the numerous factors involved.

The descriptive portion deals almost entirely with clutches used on passenger cars and trucks, but some of the clutches described are applicable to other automotive uses. The notes on the theory of design apply in general to all automotive clutches.

The clutches considered are divided into the four general classes of cone, single-plate, multiple-disc and shoe-or-band types, these being discussed at length and illustrated with drawings. After a consideration of the details of their design and a brief presentation of the subject of clutch brakes, the notes on the theory of clutch design are presented. An important feature of this paper is an elaborate tabulation of the specifications of various clutches.