• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.85-91
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• 2017

This work studies the flow behaviors in the gap between the friction pad and separator in wet-clutch systems. The fluid volume of the lubricant is modeled using the entire system of wet-clutch pack of a dual clutch transmission that has larger outer radius of odd gear shifts and smaller inner radius of even gear shifts. Flow behaviors in the gap of the clutch pad are computed using the gear shift modes that consider the real relative velocities between the friction pad and separator. Flow behaviors in the gap of the disengaged clutch pad are mainly investigated for the wet-clutch system, whereas the engaged clutch pad is modeled with no fluid rate through the contacting surfaces. The developed hydrodynamic fluid pressures and velocity fields in the clutch pad gap are computed to obtain the relevant information for managing flow rates in wet-clutch packs under dual operating conditions during gear shifts. These hydrodynamic pressures and velocity fields are compared on the basis of each gear level and gap location, which is necessary to determine the effects of groove patterns on the friction pad. Shear stresses in the gap locations are also computed on the basis of the gear level for the inner and outer clutch pads. The computed results are compared and used for the design of cooling capacity against frictional heat generation in wet-clutch pack systems.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.112-119
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• 2009

An automatic transmission of construction equipment is controlled by hydraulic and electronic system for doing in various functions like as shifting and operation. The shifting is operated by the engaged and disengaged clutch motion from hydraulic power. On the shifting process, suitable pressure control to the clutch is required for smooth shifting. Hydraulic control system in the automatic transmission is divided by the pilot control type and the direct control type greatly. The direct control type has an advantage than the pilot control type. Because the structure is simple, the design and the manufacture are having less troubles and the system can be maximized precision pressure control. However, the excellent performance proportional control valve should be used to achieve proper control-ability. In this study, the dynamic analysis model composing the automatic transmission and hydraulic system for forklift truck is presented to simulate the characteristics of hydraulic system about the direct control type. That model is verified the validity compared the results of the testing examination. Parameters of input signal are analyzed to reduce the output torque according to input control signal is affected in shifting characteristic.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2017

Drag torque reduction in a wet clutch pack is a key aspect of the design process of the dual clutch transmission (DCT) system. In order to reduce the drag torque caused by lubricant shear resistance, recently developed wet clutch pack systems of DCT, as well as automatic transmission and other four-wheel drive (4WD) couplings, frequently utilize wavy wet clutch pads. Therefore, wavy shape of friction pad are made on the groove patterns like waffle pattern for the reduction of drag torque. Additionally, the groove patterns are designed with larger channels at several locations on the friction pad to facilitate faster outflow of lubricant. However, channel performance is a function of the waviness of the friction pad at the location of the particular channel. This is because the discharge sectional area varies according to the waviness amplitude at the location of the particular channel. The higher location of the additional channel on the friction pad results in a larger cross-sectional area, which allows for a larger flow discharge rate. This results in reduction of the drag torque caused by the shear resistance of DCTF, because of marginal volume fraction of fluid (VOF) in the space between the friction pad and separator. This study computes the VOF in the space between the friction pad and separator, the hydrodynamic pressure developed, and the shear resistance of friction torque, by using CFD software (FLUENT). In addition, the study investigates the dependence of these parameters on the location and waviness amplitude of the channel pattern on the friction pad. The paper presents design guidelines on the proper location of high waviness amplitude on wavy friction pads.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.71-78
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• 2017

The drag torque in the wet clutch system of a dual clutch transmission system is investigated because it is relatively high, up to 10 of the total output torque of the engine, even when the clutch is in the disengagement state with zero torque transfer. Drag torque results from the shear resistance of the DCTF between the friction pad and separator plate. To reduce the drag torque for ensuring fuel economy, the groove pattern of the wet clutch friction pad is designed to have a high flow rate through the pattern groove. In this study, four types of groove patterns on the friction pad are designed. The volume fraction of the DCTF (VOF) and hydrodynamic pressure developments in the gap between the friction pad and separator plate are computed to correlate with the computation of the drag torque. From the computational results, it is found that a high VOF and hydrodynamics increase the drag torque resulting from the shear resistance of the DCTF. Therefore, a patterned groove design should be used for increasing the flow rate to have more air parts in the gap to reduce the drag torque. In this study, ANSYS FLUENT is used to solve the flow analysis.