SIMULATION OF HEAT-TRANSFER CHARACTERISTICS OF WET CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT PROCESSES

Abstract

A three-dimensional finite-volume-based numerical method was developed to predict the transient thermal response of wet clutch discs during engagement. Unstructured brick or wedge elements were used to represent the geometry so that complex groove patterns could be modeled in a relatively simple manner. The sliding between discs was incorporated through a source / sink term derived from a Lagrangian approach. Furthermore, the heat transfer across different materials was solved together in an implicit manner through the use of a conjugate heat-transfer algorithm. The numerical method was applied to a number of clutch packs and the results compared favorably with both the analytical solution and the experimental data. Finally, the method was applied to evaluate the thermal effectiveness of double-parallel and radial groove designs for the same clutch and under the same operating conditions. It was found that the double-parallel groove design was superior to the radial groove design as far as thermal performance is concerned.

Notes

Address correspondence to Yong G. Lai, Department of Engine Design, Engine and Vehicle Research Division, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78228, USA.