Assignment 7

Practice examples on design of Clutch

The clutch is a mechanical device, which is driving flange by means of the key. Power is
used to connect or disconnect the source of then transmitted from the driving flange to the
power from the remaining parts of the power driven flange by means of frictional force.
transmission system at the will of the Finally, power is transmitted from the driven
operator. An automotive clutch can permit flange to the driven shaft by means of the
the engine to run without driving the car. This splines. Since the power is transmitted by means
is desirable when the engine is to be started of frictional force between the driving and driven
or stopped, or when the gears are to be flanges, the clutch is called ‘friction’ clutch. In
shifted. The types of clutches are Single plate order to disengage the clutch, a fork is inserted in
and multi plate clutch, cone clutch and the collar on the driven flange to shift it axially
Centrifugal clutch. to the right side. This relieves the pressure
1 Single Plate Clutch between the driving and the driven flanges and
no torque can be transmitted. In the working
condition, the clutch is in an engaged position
under the action of spring force. Levers or forks
are operated to ‘disengage’ the clutch.

The main advantages of friction clutch are as

A single plate friction clutch consisting of
two flanges is shown in Fig. One flange is
rigidly keyed to the driving shaft, while the
other is connected to the driven shaft by
means of splines. The splines permit free
axial movement of the driven flange with
respect to the driven shaft. This axial
movement is essential for engagement and
disengagement of the clutch. The actuating
force is provided by a helical compression
spring, which forces the driven flange to
move towards the driving flange. Power is
transmitted from the driving shaft to the
follows:
(i) The engagement is smooth.
(ii) Slip occurs only during engaging operation
and once the clutch is engaged, there is no slip
between the contacting surfaces. Therefore,
power loss and consequent heat generation do
not create problems, unless the operation
requires frequent starts and stops.
(iii) In certain cases, the friction clutch serves as
a safety device. It slips when the torque
transmitted through it exceeds a safe value. This
prevents the breakage of parts in the
transmission chain.

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2 MULTI-DISK CLUTCHES

Problem :1
An automotive plate clutch consists of two pairs
of contacting surfaces with an asbestos friction
lining. The torque transmitting capacity of the
clutch is 550 N-m. The coefficient of friction is
A multi-disk clutch, as shown in Fig., consists 0.25 and the permissible intensity of pressure is
of two sets of disks—A and B. Disks of Set A are 0.5 N/mm2. Due to space limitations, the outer
usually made of hardened steel, while those of Set diameter of the friction disk is fixed as
B are made of bronze. Disks of Set A are 250 mm. Using uniform wear theory, calculate
connected to the driven shaft by means of splines. (i) the inner diameter of the friction disk; and
Because of splines, they are free to move in an (ii) the spring force required to keep the clutch
axial direction on the splined sleeve. There are in an engaged position
four through bolts, which pass through the holes Problem :2
in the disks of Set B. Plate clutch consists of one pair of contacting
A clearance fit between the bolt and the holes in surfaces. The inner and outer diameters of the
the plates allows disks of Set B to move in an friction disk are 100 and 200 mm respectively.
axial direction. The bolts are rigidly fixed to a The coefficient of friction is 0.2 and the
rotating drum, which is keyed to the driving shaft permissible intensity of pressure is 1 N/mm2.
The axial force P, which is required to hold the Assuming uniform-wear theory,
disks together, is provided by means of levers or 1) Calculate the power-transmitting capacity of
springs. When the driving shaft rotates, the drum, the clutch at 750 rpm.
along with bolts and disks of Set B, also rotate. 2) Calculate the power transmitting capacity of
Power is transmitted from the disks of Set B to the clutch using uniform pressure theory.
those of A by means of friction. When the disks
of Set A rotate, they transmit the power to the
driven shaft through splined sleeve

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Problem :3 Problem 4
A single plate clutch consists of one pair of
A plate clutch having a single driving plate with
contacting surfaces. The inner and outer diameters
contact surfaces on each side is required to
of the friction disk are 125 and 250 mm
transmit 110 kW at 1250 r.p.m. The outer
respectively. The coefficient of friction is 0.25
diameter of the contact surfaces is to be 300 mm.
and the total axial force is 15 kN. Calculate the
The coefficient of friction is 0.4.
power transmitting capacity of the clutch at 500
(a) Assuming a uniform pressure of 0.17
rpm using :
N/mm2; determine the inner diameter of the
(i) uniform wear theory; and
friction surfaces.
(ii) uniform pressure theory
(b) Assuming the same dimensions and the same
total axial thrust, determine the maximum torque
that can be transmitted and the maximum
intensity of pressure when uniform wear
conditions have been reached.