Technical Paper
Clutch Plate Surface Treatment for Improved Frictional Characteristics
1992-09-01
922099
Separator plates are utilized in clutch or brake packs for transmissions in vehicles. These plates are internally or externally splined to be operatively connected to the rotatable and/or stationary members in a torsional coupling. When pressure is applied during an engagement, separator plates mate against friction assembly plates and generate torque. Improvements can be made in the separator plate processing and finishing which will improve friction characteristics. The friction coefficients which result when clutch or brake packs are brought into contact are influenced by factors such as type of lining material, type of oil, temperature, velocity, and loading. Traditionally, varying the composition of the friction material on an assembly plate was a means to obtain different friction coefficients and in turn torque capacity. Additionally, there are other factors such as the separator plate surface finish that may affect the friction characteristics.