Parametric Optimization Design Method for Friction Plates of Hydro-Viscous Clutches

Summary

This study combines numerical analysis software with response surface methodology (RSM) to systematically explore the optimization design method for friction plates of hydro-viscous clutches.

Abstract

The hydro-viscous clutch (HVC) operates based on the theory of liquid viscous transmission, using viscous fluid as the working medium to transmit power through the shearing force of the oil film between friction plates. The groove structure on the friction plates directly affects the torque transmission capacity and rise in the shear-induced temperature of the oil film. Therefore, designing friction plate structures that balance efficient torque transmission and low temperature rise is of great significance. To address this issue, this study analyzes the impact of the groove structure on the oil film characteristics and identifies the key influencing factors. Subsequently, simulation software was used to calculate the torque and temperature rise of the oil film under different groove structures. The structural parameters of the friction plates were then optimized using the Box-Behnken design of the response surface methodology (RSM). The results show that the optimized friction plate design, featuring a groove depth of 0.214 mm, an arc length of 5 mm, 16 radial arc-shaped grooves, and 5 circumferential grooves, can significantly reduce the oil film temperature while ensuring high torque transmission. This design approach provides a reference for the optimized design of friction pairs in hydro-viscous clutches of various sizes.

Introduction

With the rapid development of social productivity, an increasing number of large heavy-load machines are being utilized in construction and manufacturing processes. These machines require high-power dynamic speed regulation while also considering low energy consumption.

In recent years, a new type of speed control device has been proposed and used in heavy machinery, specifically the Hydro-Viscous Clutch. This device integrates mechanical, electronic control, and hydraulic technologies, incorporating both fluid shear transmission and mechanical friction transmission. Its energy-efficient characteristics have led to increasingly widespread a....

Protocol

NOTE: The technical route of the design scheme is shown in Figure 1, which mainly includes model establishment, simulation analysis, and parameter optimization. Model establishment includes two main categories: models required for single-factor analysis and models derived from the experimental design given by the response surface methodology (RSM) after determining the influencing factors. The model establishment is completed in SolidWorks, the simulation analysis is performed in Fluent, and the parameter optimization is conducted in Design-Expert.

1. Model establishment

1. Determine t....

Results

The modeling and simulation analysis steps in the scheme aim to determine which parameters of the friction plate grooves significantly impact oil film temperature and transmitted torque. Through parameter optimization of sampled data, the combinations of parameters affecting oil film performance are adjusted, followed by repeated modeling and simulations to generate data, ultimately obtaining the optimal parameters for the friction plate grooves through response surface optimization.

Discussion

This study proposes an optimization design method for the oil groove structure of the Hydro-Viscous Clutch friction plates. Specifically, it aims to improve oil film performance by altering parameters such as the number, arrangement, and geometric dimensions of the grooves¹⁰. A combination of numerical simulations using Fluent software and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is employed to analyze and optimize parameters such as the number of radial grooves, groove depth, and the arc length of the .......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Aldary	N/A	N/A	Alloy material
Ansys-Workbench	ANSYS	ANSYS 2023R1	Multi-purpose finite element method computer design program software.
Design-Expert	Stat-Ease	Design-Expert 13	An experimental data analysis tool
No.8 hydraulic oil	N/A	N/A	Liquid
PC	N/A	N/A	Computer equipment
SOLIDWORKS	Dassault Systemes	solidworks 2023	An engineering software drawing tool
Steel	N/A	N/A	Alloy material