This paper presents a virtual analysis method for pressure spike estimation and optimization of hydraulic system architecture for off-highway applications with hydraulically actuated clutch. This pressure spike leads to a very high torque spike in driveline components during clutch pop-up conditions in puddling operations. These torque spikes lead to potential failure of driveline components i.e., gear, shaft, bearing and torsional damper during sudden engagement events. To assess the hydraulic system performance during clutch pop-up cornering conditions is very challenging and leads to compromise on operator safety in the paddy field. It is essential to develop a simulation methodology in a virtual environment to understand the system behavior during clutch pop-up condition and impact of various hydraulic system parameters. This paper describes a Model Based System Design (MBSD) approach for understanding hydraulic system pressure spike phenomenon and dynamic response. Pressure spike simulation methodology was established using 1-D approach with the right fidelity modeling to capture the transient events. This model includes hydraulic clutch actuation system, clutch Pedal linkages, torsional damper, drivetrain & vehicle inertia. This method has been compared with test data attained on tractor during puddling operation in the field. This method helps to identify and predict the severity of pressure spike during early phase of product development cycle for investigation & optimization of hydraulic system design. DOE was performed to investigate the impact of hydraulic system components like valves, accumulator on pressure spike and its impact on drivetrain components. This analytical method is helping to resolve the design issue in the early phase of product development cycle in shorter period and thus leads to overall reduction in product development cycle time, cost and risk associated with field test operations.
