Numerical and experimental investigation of temperature distribution for dry-clutches

The temperature rise of the engaging clutch during shifting depends heavily on the transmitted torque. Precisely estimating the clutch temperature not only improves clutch control but also the optimal design of the clutch. However, the contact surface of the friction lining is closed, and the surface temperature is often difficult to measure accurately. In this study, a theoretical model of a two-dimensional transient temperature field for the friction disc has been established. In the radial and axial directions under different launching conditions, the temperature field of a friction disc is investigated. Four stages of clutch engagement have been determined, and finite-element analysis has been used to study the temperature field of a single clutch and to determine its duration. Then, the latest internationally developed distributed optical fiber sensing technology is used to perform measurement tests on the designed dry clutch friction characteristic test rig. The distributed fiber-optic temperature measurement technology can accomplish accurate temperature measurement with fast response speed and can acquire temperature value on different radii of friction discs with high spatial resolution. Such temperature sensing technology is very suitable for clutch working conditions. By analyzing the simulation and experimental results of temperature variation of different radii, different working conditions and different components, an important reference is provided for the establishment of the clutch temperature model and the optimization of the clutch heat dissipation structure design.