APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF FRICTIONAL AND THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A WET CLUTCH

Abstract

This paper describes the configuration of an apparatus for fundamental research on frictional characteristics for wet clutch control. The friction coefficient usually varies depending on the friction speed, the temperature of the friction surface, and the pressing force. The design and configuration for accurately measuring each major variable were presented. There is a fluid circulation system to implement an environment similar to an actual wet clutch system. It is designed to analyze the friction characteristics by maintaining the fluid film dynamics in a steady-state or to simulate the clutch engagement by controlling the speed of the motor. A friction coefficient map for any multi-disc clutch could be obtained with the presented apparatus, and a map of an automatic transmission clutch is obtained as an example. The experimental result shows the variables of the friction coefficient were the friction speed and the temperature of the friction surface, and in particular, it increased linearly with the temperature of the friction surface within the experimental range.