VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
JNANA SANGAMA, BELAGAVI-590014
MODERN MOBILITY (21ME654)
ASSIGNMENT – 3
on
“Clutch and It’s Types”
Submitted by
BHOOMIKA B S
1AY22CS401
Under the Guidance of
Mr. Shadakshari R
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Mech, AIT
2023-24
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
Acharya Institute of Technology
Acharya Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Road, Soladevanahalli, Bengaluru-560107
Clutch And It’s Type
Clutch
A clutch is a mechanical device found in vehicles and machinery, used to engage and
disengage the power transmission from the engine to the drive shaft. Its primary function is to
smoothly connect or disconnect the engine from the wheels, allowing for smooth gear changes
without causing damage to the transmission. In manual transmission vehicles, the driver
operates the clutch by pressing the clutch pedal. When the pedal is pressed, the clutch
disengages, temporarily cutting the connection between the engine and the wheels, making it
possible to change gears. Releasing the pedal re-engages the clutch, transmitting power from
the engine to the wheels.
The clutch operates using friction plates that press together to transfer engine power when
engaged and separate to cut the power transmission when disengaged. Different types of
clutches exist, including friction clutches, hydraulic clutches, centrifugal clutches, and cone
clutches. Friction clutches are the most common in vehicles, while centrifugal clutches are
often used in small motorcycles and go-karts. Proper use of the clutch is essential for
maintaining the health of the vehicle's transmission system. Automatic vehicles also have a
clutch system, but it operates differently, often controlled by the vehicle's computer system.
Requirements of Clutch:-
➢ Smooth Engagement: The clutch should engage the engine and transmission smoothly
without causing any jerks or sudden movements to ensure a comfortable ride.
➢ Efficient Power Transmission: It should effectively transmit the engine's power to the
transmission without slippage, ensuring maximum efficiency.
➢ Durability: The clutch components should be durable enough to withstand the stresses
and strains of frequent engagement and disengagement over time.
➢ Heat Dissipation: It must have good heat dissipation properties to handle the friction-
generated heat during engagement and disengagement processes.
➢ Vibration and Noise Reduction: The clutch should minimize noise and vibrations to
enhance the driving experience and reduce wear on other components.
➢ Compact Design: It should have a compact and lightweight design to fit within the
vehicle's transmission system without adding unnecessary weight.
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Clutch And It’s Type
➢ Adjustability: The clutch mechanism should allow for adjustments to compensate for
wear and tear, maintaining optimal performance over time.
➢ Ease of Operation: It should be easy to operate, requiring minimal effort from the
driver to engage and disengage, enhancing driver comfort.
➢ Minimal Maintenance: The clutch system should require minimal maintenance,
reducing the overall cost of ownership and downtime for repairs.
➢ High Torque Capacity: It should handle the maximum torque produced by the engine
without slipping, ensuring reliable performance under different driving conditions.
Key Principles of a Clutch:
➢ Friction: Friction is the core principle behind the operation of most clutches. Friction
materials on the clutch disc engage with the flywheel to transmit power from the engine
to the transmission.
➢ Engagement and Disengagement: The clutch must efficiently engage (connect) and
disengage (disconnect) the engine from the transmission. This is typically achieved
through the movement of the clutch pedal, which controls the pressure applied to the
clutch disc.
➢ Torque Transmission: The clutch must transmit the engine's torque to the
transmission without slipping under normal operating conditions. This ensures that
power is efficiently transferred to the wheels.
➢ Heat Management: Clutch operation generates heat due to friction. Effective heat
dissipation is crucial to prevent overheating and maintain performance and durability.
➢ Modulation: The clutch must allow for smooth modulation, enabling gradual
engagement to prevent jerks and shocks to the drivetrain, ensuring a comfortable
driving experience.
Advantages of a Clutch:
➢ Smooth Power Transmission: Enables smooth engagement and disengagement of the
engine and transmission, facilitating seamless gear changes.
➢ Driver Control: Provides precise control over power delivery, essential for starting,
stopping the vehicle.
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Clutch And It’s Type
➢ Efficiency: Ensures efficient power transfer from the engine to the wheels, enhancing
vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
➢ Protection: Protects drivetrain components from sudden shocks and stresses, reducing
the risk of damage and extending the lifespan of the transmission.
Disadvantages of a Clutch:
➢ Driver Skill Requirement: Requires skill and coordination from the driver to operate
smoothly, which can be challenging for beginners.
➢ Wear and Tear: Subject to wear and tear due to constant friction, necessitating regular
maintenance and eventual replacement.
➢ Physical Effort: Manual clutches require physical effort to operate the pedal, which
can be tiring in heavy traffic or over long distances.
➢ Potential for Slippage: If not properly adjusted or if the friction materials wear out,
clutches can slip, leading to inefficient power transfer and potential damage to the
drivetrain.
Types of Clutch
There are several types of clutches used in vehicles and machinery, each designed for specific
applications and performance requirements. Here are the main types:
➢ Single Plate Clutch
➢ Multi-Plate Clutch
Single Plate Clutch:
A single plate clutch is a type of clutch commonly used in manual transmission
vehicles. It consists of a single friction plate positioned between the engine's flywheel and a
pressure plate. The clutch engages and disengages the engine from the transmission, allowing
for smooth gear changes. When the clutch pedal is released, the pressure plate presses the
friction plate against the flywheel, transmitting power from the engine to the transmission.
Pressing the clutch pedal disengages the pressure plate, interrupting the power flow and
enabling the driver to change gears. Single plate clutches are known for their simple design,
cost-effectiveness, and efficient power transfer. However, they are subject to wear and tear and
may not handle high-torque applications as effectively as multi-plate clutches.
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Clutch And It’s Type
Single Plate Clutch
Main Components:
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Clutch And It’s Type
➢ Friction Plate (Clutch Disc): The friction plate is made of a material with high
frictional properties, such as composite materials or organic compounds, designed to
withstand high temperatures and wear.
➢ Pressure Plate: The pressure plate exerts force on the friction plate, pressing it against
the flywheel. It is typically spring-loaded to maintain constant pressure and ensure
engagement with the flywheel.
➢ Flywheel: The flywheel is attached to the engine's crankshaft and provides a rotating
mass that helps to smooth out engine pulses and store energy.
➢ Release Mechanism: This includes components like the clutch pedal, release bearing,
and release fork, which allow the driver to disengage the clutch by pressing the pedal.
Construction :
The construction of a single plate clutch involves a series of interrelated components.
At the core is the flywheel, which is mounted on the engine's crankshaft and provides a rotating
surface. Positioned between the flywheel and the pressure plate is the clutch disc, which is
equipped with friction material on both sides to facilitate power transfer. The pressure plate
is bolted to the flywheel and applies a clamping force on the clutch disc to engage it with the
flywheel. For disengagement, a release mechanism is used, which typically includes a release
bearing and associated linkage, operated by a pedal or lever to move the pressure plate away
from the clutch disc. This construction allows for smooth engagement and disengagement of
the clutch, enabling efficient gear changes and power transmission.
Working Principle:
➢ Engagement: When the clutch pedal is released, the pressure plate, driven by springs,
presses the friction plate against the flywheel. This creates a strong frictional bond,
allowing power to transfer from the engine to the transmission and subsequently to the
wheels.
➢ Disengagement: Pressing the clutch pedal moves the release mechanism, which pulls
the pressure plate away from the friction plate. This separation interrupts the power
flow from the engine to the transmission, allowing the driver to change gears without
grinding.
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Clutch And It’s Type
Advantages:
➢ Simple Design: The single plate clutch has a straightforward design, making it easier
to manufacture and maintain.
➢ Cost-Effective: Due to its simplicity, it is generally less expensive compared to more
complex clutch systems like multi-plate clutches.
➢ Efficient Power Transfer: When properly maintained, it provides efficient power
transfer from the engine to the transmission with minimal slippage.
➢ Compact Size: Its compact design makes it suitable for a wide range of vehicles, from
small cars to light trucks.
Disadvantages:
➢ Wear and Tear: The friction material on the clutch disc wears out over time due to
constant friction, necessitating periodic replacement.
➢ Limited Torque Handling: Single plate clutches are less effective in handling high-
torque applications, making them less suitable for high-performance or heavy-duty
vehicles.
➢ Heat Generation: Continuous use can generate significant heat, which can lead to
thermal degradation of the friction material if not adequately managed.
➢ Driver Skill Required: Effective use of a single plate clutch requires skill and
coordination, especially in start-stop traffic conditions.
In summary, a single plate clutch is a crucial component in manual transmission vehicles,
facilitating smooth gear changes by engaging and disengaging the engine from the transmission
through a simple yet effective mechanism.
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Clutch And It’s Type
Multi-plate clutch
A multi-plate clutch is a type of clutch system that uses multiple friction plates and
corresponding pressure plates to engage and disengage the engine from the transmission. This
design allows for a larger surface area of friction material compared to a single plate clutch,
which increases the torque capacity and performance. Multi-plate clutches are commonly used
in high-performance vehicles, racing cars, and heavy-duty applications where higher power
handling is required. The friction plates are alternately stacked with pressure plates and are
usually submerged in oil to enhance cooling and lubrication. Engaging the clutch involves
pressing multiple friction plates together, while disengagement involves separating them. This
type of clutch offers smoother operation and greater durability but can be more complex and
costly to manufacture and maintain.
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Clutch And It’s Type
Main Components :
➢ Friction Plates: Multiple friction plates are made of high-friction material (such as
ceramic or organic compounds) and are stacked alternately with pressure plates. They
engage with the flywheel and transfer engine power to the transmission.
➢ Pressure Plates: These plates are placed between the friction plates and are typically
spring-loaded. They apply clamping force on the friction plates, compressing them
against the flywheel to engage the clutch.
➢ Flywheel: Attached to the engine’s crankshaft. Provides a rotating surface for the
friction plates to engage with, aiding in smooth power transfer.
➢ Release Mechanism: Includes components like the release bearing, release fork, and
clutch pedal or lever. Allows for disengagement of the clutch by moving the pressure
plates away from the friction plates, interrupting power transfer.
➢ Clutch Cover: Encloses and protects the clutch components. Secures the pressure
plates and friction plates in place and prevents external contaminants from affecting the
clutch.
➢ Oil Bath or Lubrication System: An oil bath or lubrication system is used to reduce
friction and dissipate heat. Enhances cooling, reduces wear, and improves the longevity
of the clutch components.
➢ Clutch Housing: The outer casing that holds all the clutch components together.
Provides structural support and alignment for the clutch system.
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Clutch And It’s Type
Construction :
A multi-plate clutch consists of several key components assembled to handle high
torque and ensure efficient power transfer. At its core are multiple friction plates and pressure
plates stacked alternately. The friction plates are made of high-friction materials and are
positioned between the pressure plates, which apply clamping force to compress the friction
plates against the flywheel. The flywheel is attached to the engine’s crankshaft and provides a
rotating surface for the friction plates. Surrounding these components is the clutch cover,
which protects and secures the assembly. The release mechanism, including the release
bearing and associated linkage, allows the clutch to disengage by moving the pressure plates
away from the friction plates. In many designs, an oil bath or lubrication system is used to
reduce friction, dissipate heat, and extend the clutch’s lifespan. Finally, the clutch housing
encloses the entire system, providing structural support and ensuring proper alignment of the
components. This construction allows the multi-plate clutch to manage high torque levels
effectively while offering smooth engagement and disengagement.
Working Principle:
➢ Engagement: When the clutch is engaged, the pressure plates press the multiple
friction plates together against the flywheel. This compression creates a strong
frictional bond, enabling the transfer of engine power to the transmission.
➢ Disengagement: Pressing the clutch pedal or lever activates the release mechanism,
which moves the pressure plates away from the friction plates. This separation
interrupts the power transfer by disconnecting the friction plates from the flywheel.
Advantages:
➢ Increased Torque Capacity: The use of multiple plates allows the clutch to handle
higher torque levels, making it suitable for high-performance and heavy-duty
applications.
➢ Compact Design: Despite its high torque capacity, a multi-plate clutch can be more
compact than a single plate clutch with similar torque handling capability.
➢ Improved Heat Dissipation: The oil bath and multiple plates help in better heat
dissipation, reducing the risk of overheating and improving durability.
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Clutch And It’s Type
Disadvantages:
➢ Complexity and Cost: Multi-plate clutches are more complex to manufacture and
maintain, making them more expensive than single plate clutches.
➢ Maintenance: They may require more frequent maintenance and replacement due to
the number of moving parts and friction surfaces.
➢ Oil Contamination: The use of oil can lead to contamination issues if not properly
managed.
➢ Space Requirements: Although compact for its power handling, the multi-plate design
may require more space within the transmission system compared to single plate
clutches.
In summary, multi-plate clutch operates by pressing multiple friction plates against the
flywheel with pressure plates to transmit engine power to the transmission. Pressing the clutch
pedal moves the pressure plates away, separating the friction plates from the flywheel and
interrupting power transfer. This design allows for high torque handling and smooth operation.
Difference between single plate clutch and a multi plate clutch
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Clutch And It’s Type
Conclusion:
A clutch is a crucial component in a vehicle’s transmission system, enabling the smooth
engagement and disengagement of power between the engine and the drivetrain. It allows for
efficient gear changes, protects drivetrain components, and provides the driver with control
over power delivery. Single plate clutches are simple and cost-effective, ideal for general
applications, while multi-plate clutches offer enhanced performance and torque handling for
high-performance and heavy-duty vehicles. Understanding the operation and components of
clutches helps in appreciating their role in vehicle functionality and maintenance.
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Clutch And It’s Type
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