Simulation and Experiment of Characteristics of Transmitted Torque of Dry Clutch Engagement

Based on the formation mechanism of engaging force of clutch, the engagement was divided into four stages: idle stage, cushion spring stage, diaphragm spring stage and locked stage. The mechanism of transmitted torque in each stage was analyzed and the transmitted torque model of clutch was deduced. Multi-load step analysis method based on finite element was used to analyze the coupling load-deformation characteristics of diaphragm spring and cushion spring in engagement, and the change laws of engaging force, diaphragm spring force and release bearing force were achieved and their coupling interaction were studied. And then change of friction coefficient of clutch with oscillating temperature was measured on friction test rig, and effect of temperature on transmitted torque was further discussed. Finally, simulation results of transmitted torque were validated by the experiment. Results indicate that the transmitted torque in clutch engagement has a nonlinear characteristic. The transmitted torque is increased slowly in the initial stage of engagement and has an approximate linear increase in the middle and late stage of engagement. And the transmitted torque increases first and then decreases with the rise of temperature in friction pairs, and effect of temperature on transmitted torque in the diaphragm spring stage is more obvious than the cushion spring stage.