Study on torque characteristics of multi-plate wet clutches during engagement

According to the structural features of multi-plate wet clutches in hydraulic-mechanical transmission, torque characteristic of single friction pair was developed. The equivalent friction coefficient was used to describe different lubrication regimes that wet clutch engagement undergoes. Distribution of contact pressure on different friction surface was analyzed by using Abaqus software. Based on the pressure distribution characteristics, the models of torque on multi-plate wet clutches were developed. Compared to the results of traditional model, calculation results of torque and power loss with new model were higher, which was closer to actual condition. Simulation results show that, increasing viscosity or decreasing surface roughness can lead to smooth incremental torque; increasing control-oil pressure can reduce engagement time, but the peak of power loss will increase; decreasing Yong's modulus can delay response of asperity contact torque and increase engagement time.