Comparative FEA of Thermal Behaviour in Different Multi-Plate Clutch Geometries

This research examines the thermal and structural efficacy of a multi-plate clutch utilizing finite element analysis (FEA).A three-dimensional model of a commercial clutch disc was created and analysed for both steady-state and transient temperature conditions using ANSYS Workbench.The main goals were to assess temperature distribution, heat flux, and structural integrity under operational conditions.Six design options, varied in groove configuration and plate thickness, were analysed.Boundary conditions were established according to actual parameters, encompassing a heat generation of 2187.5 Joules and an interface pressure of 0.4 N/mm².The findings demonstrate that groove count and thickness reduction substantially affect thermal behaviour.The 7-groove clutch plate, with a 1 mm reduction in thickness, had the highest localized heat flow while simultaneously presenting a more advantageous overall temperature distribution relative to the normal design.The investigation reveals that specific geometric alterations can enhance heat dissipation and elevate the thermal efficiency of multi-plate clutches.