Estimation of torque transmitted by clutch during shifting process for dry dual clutch transmission

The key toward realizing no-impact gear shifting for dual clutch transmission (DCT) lies in the coordination control between the engine and dual clutches, as well as the accurate closed-loop control of torque transmitted by each clutch and the output torque of the engine. However, the implementation and control precision of closed-loop control are completely dependent on the effective measurement or estimation of the instant transmission torque of the clutch. This study analyzes the DCT shifting process, and builds a three-dimensional (3D) clutch model and mathematical model of a DCT vehicle powertrain system. The torque transmitted by a twin clutch during the upshifting process is estimated by applying the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) algorithm. Then, the torque estimation algorithm is verified using a DCT prototype vehicle installed with a torque sensor on the drive half-shaft. The experimental results show that the designed UKF torque estimation algorithm can estimate the transmission torques of two clutches in real time; further, it can be directly used for DCT shift control and improving the shifting quality.