Simulations versus tests for dynamic engagement characteristics of wet clutch

Abstract

In this paper, the dynamic engagement characteristics of wet clutch are simulated by finite element method. In the fluid friction, the average Reynolds equation is amended and dimensionless parameters are involved, which is applied to calculate the viscous torque. In the boundary friction, a surface elastic contact model is established to calculate rough contact torque. In the mixed friction, total torque consists of viscus torque and rough contact torque. Experimental comparisons between the simulations and the SAE#2 bench tests are provide to verify the validity of the proposed method, the engagement time errors, the output torques maximum errors and the output torques average errors are utmost 4.86%, 3.87% and 0.73% respectively. The proposed method can be used to guide the design of wet clutches in early stages of product development.