Investigation of clutch hub strength with various geometries under variable torque conditions

Abstract

The clutch is a component that performs the duty of transmitting the torque generated by the internal combustion engines to the powertrain. The hub component on disc assembly is one of the most important components in this transmission process. During operation under torque conditions, a hub is supposed to withstand the radial loads. For this purpose, the structural strength analysis of the hub is of importance. In this study, the hub component of the clutch disc assembly is analyzed to simulate real driving conditions. In this analysis, analytical calculations and finite element calculations were made for different hub structures. By comparing the two calculations, the precision of the design and the reasons of failures were determined. According to FEA results, the maximum principal stress occurs in the contact regions where the pressure is applied. With respect to these results, the damage locations are compared to the parts which have been subjected to real bench test, and cracks/breaks occurred. After the tests, damage analysis was performed for fractures. This study enables the assumptions of the hub resistance under the various dynamic conditions with different hub geometry. Furthermore, this novel study provides the cost and time-saving in terms of the design phase in automotive engineering.