Heating of a High-torque Magnetorheological Fluid Limited Slip Differential Clutch

Abstract

Theoretical and experimental studies on heating of a high-torque, multi-plate magnetorheological (MR) fluid limited slip differential (LSD) clutch are presented. A lumped parameter system approach is assumed for theoretical heating analysis. The experimental study is conducted to examine the temperature rise of the clutch. Electric power input and slippage effects are investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The effect of temperature increase on the torque performance of the clutch is also examined. The results show that the transferred torque is insensitive to clutch temperature increase. For all cases, theoretical and experimental results are in good agreement.