Abstract
This work studies the flow behaviors in the gap between the friction pad and separator in wet-clutch systems. The fluid volume of the lubricant is modeled using the entire system of wet-clutch pack of a dual clutch transmission that has larger outer radius of odd gear shifts and smaller inner radius of even gear shifts. Flow behaviors in the gap of the clutch pad are computed using the gear shift modes that consider the real relative velocities between the friction pad and separator. Flow behaviors in the gap of the disengaged clutch pad are mainly investigated for the wet-clutch system, whereas the engaged clutch pad is modeled with no fluid rate through the contacting surfaces. The developed hydrodynamic fluid pressures and velocity fields in the clutch pad gap are computed to obtain the relevant information for managing flow rates in wet-clutch packs under dual operating conditions during gear shifts. These hydrodynamic pressures and velocity fields are compared on the basis of each gear level and gap location, which is necessary to determine the effects of groove patterns on the friction pad. Shear stresses in the gap locations are also computed on the basis of the gear level for the inner and outer clutch pads. The computed results are compared and used for the design of cooling capacity against frictional heat generation in wet-clutch pack systems.