• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.89-94
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• 2009

Aerial application using an agricultural unmanned helicopter was suggested for an alternative against current pesticide application methods. Centrifugal clutches play important roles in the performance and safety of the helicopter operation. A previous study analyzed and verified the power transfer theory of the guide type centrifugal clutch. Based on the clutch theory, optimal designs of the clutch became possible and feasible using a simulation method. Design criteria of the clutch were the power transfer capacity of 24.66 kW(33.5 PS) at the rated engine speed and the engaging range speed of 3,000${\sim}$3,500 rpm. Various designs were accomplished using the simulation. An optimal clutch was simulated by determining the values of spring constant and mass of friction sector, which were 94,700 N/m and 123.7 g, respectively. The design performed the power capacity of 24.86 kW(33.8 PS) and engagement speed of 3,069 rpm, meeting the design criteria. Using the designed clutch, an efficient transfer of the power would be possible for the unmanned agricultural helicopter.