Numerical and experimental studies on the thermodynamic characteristics of post-buckling separate plate in the clutch

Considering the influence of the contact and friction for buckling deformation, a comprehensive model is proposed to study the timing-varying thermodynamic characteristics of the clutch. The mathematical model is developed to calculate the contact status of the post-buckling separate plate, which is testified by the finite element method and bench experiments. The post-buckling plate undergoes a five-stage deformation, and the radial contact pressure finally forms ‘M/W′ shape during engagements. With the increasing buckling angle, the plate flattening threshold and pressure decay increase gradually; meanwhile, the radial temperature distribution is sculptured as ‘W′ shape, creating larger thermal stress and thermal bending moment. Thus, the surface morphology is changed by the wear which related to the pressure and thermal distribution.