CLUTCHES

By Voloshin I. V.

Contents

1. Vehicle clutches

1.1 Wet clutches

1.2. Dry clutches

1.3 Clutch operation in automobiles

1.4 Clutch operation in motorcycles

2 Other clutches

~CLUTCH~

Vehicle clutches

There are many different vehicle clutch designs but most are based on one or more friction discs, pressed tightly together or against a flywheel using springs.

Rear side of a Ford V6 engine, looking at the clutch housing on the flywheel

Wet clutches

A 'wet clutch' is immersed in a cooling lubricating fluid, which also keeps the surfaces clean and gives smoother performance and longer life.

Dry clutches

A 'dry clutch', as the name implies, is not bathed in fluid that robs it of some energy.

Clutch operation in automobiles

In a car it is operated by the left-most pedal using hydraulics or a cable connection from the pedal to the clutch mechanism.

Clutch operation in motorcycles

On most motorcycles, the clutch is operated by the clutch lever, located on the left handlebar.

Other clutches

Dog clutches

Cone clutches

Safety clutches

Overrunning clutch or freewheel

Single plate & Multi-plate friction clutches

Hydraulic clutch

Electromagnetic clutch