Simulation and application of temperature field of carbon fabric wet clutch during engagement based on finite element analysis

The temperature plays a significant role in the tribology properties and failure of friction materials during engagement of wet clutch. In order to obtain the temperature field of carbon fabric wet clutch, the thermal model was developed and the finite element analysis was conducted with the heat flux, convective and conductive heat-transfer taken into account. The predicted temperatures of thermometer hole were compared with experimental values. The effects of the thermal parameters on the temperatures of engagement and the damage of carbon fabric composites were investigated. Results show the thermal is evaluated as effective and can well predict the temperature field. The lower skeletal density, lower specific heat capacity and higher thermal conductivity are indispensable for the purpose of lowering the temperature of engagement. The highest temperature appears at R = 0.0509 m, where the damage of friction lining easily occurs.