Clutches quick links
Basic vehicle clutch operation
A vehicles main clutch is fitted between the engine and the transmission. It is operated by the clutch pedal and is disengaged by the driver applying the pedal.
The clutch serves 3 main purposes:
1.To provide a temporary break in transmission.
2. To provide a smooth take up of drive.
3. To assist in changing gears.
The ability of a clutch to transmit torque depends on a several factors which include:
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Mean (average) radius of the friction lining.
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Coefficient of friction of lining material.
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Quantity of friction services
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Force clamping both members together.
Clutch Release / Throwout Bearing
The clutch release bearing (throwout bearing) can be a thrust type angular contact ball bearing, supported on a carrier. It slides on a hub or sleeve extending from the front of the gearbox and is operated by the release fork, pushing the bearings thrust face into contact with the clutch spring fingers or toggle levers.
This allows the release bearing to rotate with the clutch while disengaging it.
How a Twin Plate Clutch works
The twin plate clutch is similar in operation to a single plate clutch with the addition of another friction plate and an intermediate plate.
Where more torque is required to be transmitted through a clutch but it would not be practical to have a larger diameter flywheel/clutch, multiple clutch plates can be used to share the torque.
Dual Mass Flywheels - What are they?
A Dual mass flywheel or DMF is a rotating mechanical device that is used to provide continuous energy (rotational energy) in systems where the energy source is not continuous, such as an engine running at low revs. This works in the same way as a conventional flywheel acts, but damping any violent variation of torque or revolutions that could cause an unwanted vibration.
The vibration reduction is achieved by accumulating stored energy in the two flywheel half masses over a period of time but damped by a series of strong springs, doing that at a rate that is compatible with the energy source, and then releasing that energy at a much higher rate over a relatively short time.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) - How it works
A Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system reduces levels of NOx (oxides of nitrogen emitted from engines) that are harmful to our health and the environment. SCR is the after-treatment technology that treats exhaust gas downstream of the engine. Small quantities of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) are injected into the exhaust upstream of a catalyst, where it vaporizes and decomposes to form ammonia and carbon dioxide. The ammonia (NH3) is the desired product which in conjunction to the SCR catalyst, converts the NOx to harmless nitrogen (N2) and water (H2O).
