Clutch lining frictional characteristics under thermal tribodynamic conditions

The frictional performance of the clutch mating surfaces varies transiently during clutch engagement. The friction characteristics depend on the clamp load, relative slip speed of the mating surfaces and the generated contact temperature. These operating conditions affect the characteristics and lead to clutch take-up judder during engagement. To study this phenomenon as well as issues relating to clutch wear, it is essential to evaluate the friction lining characteristics. This paper replicates the clutch conditions through careful experimentation with a fully instrumented pin-on-disc tribometer. It is shown that the kinetic coefficient of friction for the clutch friction lining material in contact with the sinusoidal wavy and rough surface of pressure plate decreases with rising contact temperature and increasing slip speed.