Design and Finite Element Analysis of an Automotive Clutch Assembly

The purpose of a clutch is to initiate motion or increase the velocity of a body generally by transferring kinetic energy from another moving body. The mass being accelerated is generally a rotating inertial body. The present paper deals with designing a friction clutch assembly using Solid Works Office Premium software. The assembly comprises of the clutch plate, the pressure plate and a diaphragm spring. Static structural analysis was done using ANSYS software. The plots for equivalent stress, total deformation and factor of safety were obtained and the design was continuously optimized till a safe design was obtained. Uniform wear theory was used for the analysis. The material assignment is as follows: clutch plate-structural steel, pressure plate- cast iron GS-70-02 and diaphragm spring- spring steel. The friction material assumed is molded asbestos opposing cast iron/ steel surface.