CLUTCH

A clutch is a mechanical device which engages and disengages power transmission

especially from driving shaft to driven shaft.
In the simplest application, clutches connect and disconnect two rotating shafts
(drive shafts or line shafts). In these devices, one shaft is typically attached to an engine or
other power unit (the driving member) while the other shaft (the driven member) provides
output power for work. While typically the motions involved are rotary, linear clutches are
also possible.
In a torque-controlled drill, for instance, one shaft is driven by a motor and the other
drives a drill chuck. The clutch connects the two shafts so they may be locked together and
spin at the same speed (engaged), locked together but spinning at different speeds
(slipping), or unlocked and spinning at different speeds (disengaged).
Materials
Various materials have been used for the disc-friction facings, including asbestos in
the past. Modern clutches typically use a compound organic resin with copper wire facing
or a ceramic material. Ceramic materials are typically used in heavy applications such as
racing or heavy-duty hauling, though the harder ceramic materials increase flywheel and
pressure plate wear.
In the case of "wet" clutches, composite paper materials are very common. Since
these "wet" clutches typically use an oil bath or flow-through cooling method for keeping
the disc pack lubricated and cooled, very little wear is seen when using composite paper
materials.
Manufacturing
Modern clutch development focuses its attention on the simplification of the overall
assembly and/or manufacturing method. For example, drive straps are now commonly
employed to transfer torque as well as lift the pressure plate upon disengagement of vehicle
drive. With regard to the manufacture of diaphragm springs, heat treatment is crucial. Laser
welding is becoming more common as a method of attaching the drive plate to the disc ring
with the laser typically being between 2-3KW and a feed rate 1m/minute.

Vehicular
There are multiple designs of vehicle clutch, but most are based on one or more
friction discs pressed tightly together or against a flywheel using springs. The friction
material varies in composition depending on many considerations such as whether the
clutch is "dry" or "wet". Friction discs once contained asbestos, but this has been largely
discontinued. Clutches found in heavy duty applications such as trucks and competition
cars use ceramic plates that have a greatly increased friction coefficient. However, these
have a "grabby" action generally considered unsuitable for passenger cars. The spring
pressure is released when the clutch pedal is depressed thus either pushing or pulling the
diaphragm of the pressure plate, depending on type. Raising the engine speed too high
while engaging the clutch causes excessive clutch plate wear. Engaging the clutch abruptly
when the engine is turning at high speed causes a harsh, jerky start. This kind of start is
necessary and desirable in drag racing and other competitions, where speed is more
important than comfort.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles typically employ a wet clutch with the clutch riding in the same oil as
the transmission. These clutches are usually made up of a stack of alternating friction plates
and steel plates. The friction plates have lugs on their outer diameters that lock them to a
basket that is turned by the crankshaft. The steel plates have lugs on their inner diameters
that lock them to the transmission input shaft. A set of coil springs or a diaphragm spring
plate force the plates together when the clutch is engaged.
On motorcycles the clutch is operated by a hand lever on the left handlebar. No
pressure on the lever means that the clutch plates are engaged (driving), while pulling the
lever back towards the rider disengages the clutch plates through cable or hydraulic
actuation, allowing the rider to shift gears or coast. Racing motorcycles often use slipper
clutches to eliminate the effects of engine braking, which, being applied only to the rear
wheel, can cause instability.