Optimizing the Smoothness and Temperatures of a Wet Clutch Engagement Through Control of the Normal Force and Drive Torque

Abstract

Automatic transmission gear shifts are handled by wet clutches, which determine the smoothness. The clutch face temperatures during the engagements are often an important parameter for the total clutch life. A wet clutch test rig has been used to evaluate how a wet clutch engagement can be improved in terms of smoothness and temperature. This was performed with control based upon knowledge about friction characteristics and dynamic performance. The parameters used for control were the drive torque and the normal force on the clutch. By drive torque shut-off and reduced normal force the torque variations were greatly reduced and the temperature rise was decreased by 37%. [S0742-4787(00)01601-5]