Simscape Driveline- Is the Disk friction clutch a Dry or Wet clutch?

Dear community,

I am trying to build a physical model of a Dry Clutch which is used in a P2 Hybrid as a engine disconnect clutch (K0 clutch). This will physicaly closed enabling the hybrid application of the electric motor and combustion engine. When the Clutch is open the vehicle is a pure electirc vehicle and the combustion engine is off. i am using the disk friction clutch model available in the simscape driveline module to model this physical clutch.

Friction clutch with disc plates that engage when plate pressure exceeds threshold - MATLAB - MathWorks Deutschland

Is the Disk friction clutch sutable to use for a dry clutch application?

Do i need to do any kind of adaptations to match the dry clutch behaviours?

Would be great if i could get some hints on this.

best regards,

Rassel

Answer 1

[Aman Banthia]

Hi Rassel,

I understand that you want to create a K0 clutch which is used for Dry Clutch applications using the clutches present in the Simscape library.

A disk friction clutch is suitable for use in a dry clutch application. Dry clutches are commonly used in various applications, such as automotive vehicles, motorcycles, and industrial machinery. The disk friction clutch is a type of dry clutch that utilizes friction between two surfaces (usually metal or composite disks) to transmit torque.

Here are some reasons why a disk friction clutch is suitable for a dry clutch application:

1. Frictional engagement: The disk friction clutch relies on the frictional forces between the clutch disks to transmit torque. In a dry clutch application, where there is no lubrication present, the frictional engagement is essential for effective torque transfer.
2. Heat dissipation: Dry clutches dissipate heat through the friction surfaces, which helps prevent overheating and ensures proper clutch operation. Disk friction clutches are designed to handle the heat generated during engagement and disengagement, making them suitable for dry clutch applications.
3. Compact design: Disk friction clutches offer a compact and lightweight design, which is advantageous in many applications where space and weight are critical factors.
4. Efficient torque transfer: Disk friction clutches provide efficient torque transfer, allowing for smooth engagement and disengagement. This is essential for applications that require precise control over power transmission.

You can lookover the following parameters and change them accordingly to use the Disc Friction Clutch as a Dry Clutch:

1. Friction Coefficient: This parameter represents the coefficient of friction between the clutch surfaces. It determines the amount of frictional force and torque transfer between the clutch plates. The value of the friction coefficient depends on the materials used and the operating conditions of the clutch.
2. Normal Force: The normal force parameter represents the force applied perpendicular to the clutch surfaces. It affects the clutch's engagement and disengagement behaviour and determines the torque transfer capacity. The normal force can be adjusted based on the applied pressure or spring force in the clutch system.
3. Inertia: The inertia parameter represents the moment of inertia of the clutch assembly. It determines the clutch's response to changes in rotational speed and affects the overall dynamics of the system. The inertia value depends on the mass distribution and geometry of the clutch components.
4. Saturation Limits: If using a saturation block to represent the clutch behaviour, set the upper and lower saturation limits to define the maximum and minimum torque transfer values. These limits can be based on the clutch's torque capacity or the desired engagement characteristics.
5. Time Constants: If the clutch behaviour involves time delays or dynamics, consider adding time constants to the block parameters. These time constants can represent the response time of the clutch system to changes in input or the time required for engagement or disengagement.

Remember, these parameters are general suggestions, and the specific values will depend on the design, specifications, and characteristics of your dry clutch system. It is essential to refer to the clutch manufacturer's specifications to determine the appropriate parameter values for your specific application.

You can refer to the below video to learn more about the use of Clutces in Simscape:

Hydraulic Actuation of an Automotive Clutch Using Simscape Fluids - YouTube[RB2]

Hope the above solution helps you.

Best Regards,

Aman Banthia