Abstract
Wet clutches in an automatic transmission enable the transmission of the engine power by the frictional torque experienced and noted between disk and plates. Since the clutch frictional torque considerably affects the shift quality of an automatic transmission as well as the durability of the machinery, its friction characteristics must be carefully examined to meet the design requirements. The SAE No. 2 friction test machine is a well-known standard to evaluate mainly the friction characteristics of plate clutches along with the required automatic transmission fluids. This paper reviews the experimental analysis of the wet clutch friction characteristics by using the exclusively developed clutch test machine which is capable of controlling the clutch test procedure, in accordance with the applicable test standard and processing of the experimental data automatically. As the clutch test machine is designed for the accommodation of dual clutches which is applied to the real transmission, it can evaluate not only the clutch friction characteristics, but also an actuation performance of a measured clutch piston. In respect to friction characteristics involving dynamic friction coefficients, the energy absorbed in a clutch disk and the recorded temperatures of clutch plates during braking actions and procedures are also investigated. Additionally, the change of friction coefficients by the use of the repeated clutch application is also observed with the endurance test functions of an accurately calibrated and dedicated clutch test machine.