Automotive vehicle clutch engagement characteristics for different types of force trajectories

Abstract

Abstract Vehicle driveline of automobile, which transmit engine energy to the wheels, is complex system with nonlinear behavior. In manual transmission clutch engagement performance depends upon driver’s skill and is significantly affected by traj ectory of clutch force during engagement process. In this work different types of clutch force trajectories are analyzed based on engagement performance which can be incorporated in automated manual clutch system. A driveline of a vehicle is modeled using multi body dynamics software and simulation were carried out for different type of force trajectories i.e. linear, parabolic and spline, which is followed by clutch force during engagement. The results of simulation were used to analyze the quality of clutch engagement and vehicle performance by looking into clutch lock-up phase and vehicle launch. The clutch lock time and clutch lock speed for various types of trajectories were calculated and compared. These results were also compared with analytical results reported by researchers. The results would be useful in selecting appropriate type of clutch actuating force trajectories for automation of clutch system of automobiles.