clutch

Objective:
The purpose of the experiment is to observe the friction of flat clutch plates with the
help of clutch plate friction apparatus. For this reason, we use a number of distinct clutch plates
and then a comparison between their results will be made using two separate ways of
calculations.

Apparatus:
We will be using a Clutch Friction apparatus along
with a number of weights.
The apparatus for this experiment is based on a flat disc
made up of leather onto which a clutch plate is mounted. It
is then tightened by screws to the effort pulley. A moment
is applied to the effort pulley by using a dead weight with
the help of spreader beam and two load strings. A loading
arm applies the main load on the effort pulley using a
thrust bearing and thus, it is applied to the clutch plate.

Theory:
Clutch is a device which makes the main operated part of a machine to be disconnected from
the part which operates it. This helps to prevent the stopping of motor.
During the analysis of the clutch, we can consider two things to happen.

a) Uniform Pressure Distribution

b) Uniform Rate of Wear
We can determine the most appropriate happening by experiment only. Assuming the ‘worst
case’ is the safest path for design process. We use those formulae which give us the least torque
transmission as basically, the design of clutch consists of power or torque transmission. This will
ensure us that whatever operation takes place, the clutch will transmit the total power.

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Formulas and Notations:

Uniform Pressure Distribution:

Assume the clutch shown. Considering a small element of the surface at radius R, makes it have
an area of:
Area = 2πRδR
Force on an element = Pressure x Area = p x 2πRδR
Frictional Force = F = µN

= 2πµpRδR → (i)
By taking moments about the axis of the shaft:
Moment of the force of friction = 2πµpRδR x R
= 2πµpR2δR

Now, we sum all these small elements from the inner radius to the outer radius which will help
us obtain the following torque due to friction:

T = 2 π µ p 𝜮𝜮𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝟏𝟏𝟐𝟐 R2δR

𝑹𝑹𝟏𝟏 2dR
= 2 π µ p ∫𝑹𝑹𝟐𝟐 R

2 π3 µ p 3)𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅12
= (𝑅𝑅

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= 2 π3 µ p [(𝑅𝑅1)3 − (𝑅𝑅2)3] → (ii)
𝑊𝑊

Since p = 𝜋𝜋 [(𝑅𝑅 )2−(𝑅𝑅2)2] → (iii)

1

From (ii) and (iii), we get:

T= 2 µ 3W [([(𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅11))32−−((𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅22)3)]2
→ (iv)

Uniform Rate of Wear:

In this case:
Pressure x Velocity of Rubbing = constant
So, Pressure x radius = constant
pxR=c
The area of an element of the clutch plate: A = 2πRδR
Force on an element = Pressure x Area
= p x 2πRδR
= 2πcδR

The axial load = W = 2 π c 𝜮𝜮𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝟏𝟏𝟐𝟐 δR

𝑹𝑹𝟏𝟏
= 2 π c ∫𝑹𝑹𝟐𝟐 dR

W = 2 π c (R1 – R2)
W
c= → (v)
2π(R1−R2)

The frictional force on the element = µ x Normal Force

= µ x 2πpRδR
= 2π µ cδR
The moment of this force about shaft’s axis = 2π µ cδR x R

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= 2πµcRδR

T = 2 π µ c 𝜮𝜮𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝟏𝟏𝟐𝟐 RδR

𝑹𝑹𝟏𝟏
= 2 π µ c ∫𝑹𝑹𝟐𝟐 RdR

= π µ c(𝑅𝑅2)𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅12

T = π µ c [(𝑅𝑅1)2 − (𝑅𝑅2)2] → (vi)

W
But as c =
2π(R1−R2)

So, T = µW
T = µ W x mean radius → (vii)
However, if constant pressure is assumed, a higher value of torque will be obtained for all cases.

Procedure:

• Make sure to clean all the surfaces before performance of the experiment.
• Note the value of diameter and mass of the plate.
• Also, record the inner and outer radii of the plate clutch.
• Place the clutch under the top plate.
• Ensure that the cords are correctly fixed on the pulleys, and that the whole system can
move freely.
• Put a mass on the plate.
• Observe and record the force due to which the top plate rotates at constant speed.
• Put another mass on the plate.
• Now, find out the force, which is required to rotate the top plate at the speed like it was
before.
• Keep addition of masses up to a maximum value of mass.
• In each case, find out the force of friction which is required to rotate the top plate at the
constant speed.
• Repeat these steps for plate 2.

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Parts Illustration:

Calculations and Observations:

For Plate 1 having R1 = 2.5 cm and R2 15 cm)
Effort Friction Axial load w Uniform Uniform wear torque
load torque pressure
torque

30.42 .364 43.4 1.44 N 1.3 N

42.7 .417 63.4 2.106 N 1.80 N

52.5 .484 83.4 2.77 N 2.37 N

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Results:
The results proved that we get different values of coefficient of frictions for different
plates of different material and different radii. And also, that the value of friction for uniform
pressure is always greater than uniform wear.

Conclusion:
Therefore, it is concluded from the experiment that to get higher values of friction,
uniform pressure distribution must be maintained.