Effects of Design Parameters on the Slipping Torque of an Overrunning Clutch

Abstract

In this study, both finite element analysis and experimental tests are conducted to explore the effects of design parameters on the slipping torque of overrunning clutches. The parameters discussed are: the friction coefficient, the tolerance of roller radius, the eccentric of the outer ring, and the number of rollers. Contact elements are used to model the contact between rings and rollers in finite element analyses. The experimental results are compared with the simulation results and are used to estimate the friction coefficient used in the finite element analysis. The results indicate that the friction coefficient, tolerance of roller radius, eccentric of outer ring, and number of rollers significantly affect the slipping torque. This study has also proposed a set-up for experimental tests of overrunning clutches.