Putting Automatic Transmission Clutch Friction Researchers on Speaking Terms

With the object of improving the technique of testing and specifying friction materials, a new type of friction material test fixture has been developed by the SAE Friction Subcommittee. This is a completely self-contained machine especially designed for cyclic testing and quality control work. This does not replace, but rather supplements, the steady state type friction test fixture (SAE No. 1) previously developed by the committee.

This fixture, known as the SAE No. 2 test fixture, is designed to test clutch packs in an environment which is as close as possible to that of the friction elements in an automatic transmission. Both friction material manufacturers and users are employing this machine for quality control, component selection, and evaluation of friction materials and lubricants.