Clutch principles

Summary
The clutch used in most light vehicle applications is a single plate friction type. The clutch transmits
torque from the engine to the transmission and a release mechanism allows the driver to control the flow
of torque between them.

A clutch connects and disconnects one rotating mechanical component from another.

An automobile clutch transmits torque from the engine to the transmission, and the driver uses a
release mechanism to control the flow of the torque between them..

Most light vehicles use a single-plate, friction-type disc, with two friction facings attached to a central
hub, splined to accept the transmission input shaft.

The friction facings are clamped between the flat surface of the engine flywheel and a spring-loaded
pressure-plate, bolted to its outer edge.

The input shaft passes through the centre of the pressure plate to engage the splines of the friction disc
hub. With engine rotation, the flywheel and clutch assembly rotate as one unit.

Engine torque is transferred from the flywheel, through the friction facings, to the splined hub, and into
the transmission.

Moving a clutch pedal operates the release mechanism, to control the flow of torque between the two
units.

Depressing the pedal retracts the pressure plate, against the force of its springs, and frees the friction
disc from its clamping action.

Releasing the pedal re-applies the clamping force and re-connects the two units.

This control is necessary:

• when placing the transmission into gear, - the transmission input shaft must be disconnected
from the engine.
• when moving the vehicle from rest, - slowly releasing the pedal, gives a gradual engagement of
the drive, as the friction facings slip and allow torque to be applied progressively until both units
are rigidly connected.
• when selecting an alternative ratio, that is, changing gears, when the vehicle is in motion - the
transmission of engine torque must again be interrupted for this to occur.
 • and, when bringing the vehicle to a halt, - the transmission must be disengaged to leave the
engine running at its idling speed.

The amount of torque a clutch can transmit depends on the co-efficient of friction between the friction
facings and their mating surfaces, the mean radius of the facings, the number of facings in contact, and
the total spring force.

Increasing the diameter of a clutch increases its torque capacity, as does increasing the spring force.

Two or more clutch plates can be used to form a multi-plate clutch, increasing the number of facings,
and torque capacity.

They are useful where a reduction in diameter is advantageous or where increasing the spring strength
is undesirable.