MULTI-PLATE DISC CLUTCH

The function of multi-disc clutch is similar to the single plate clutch but number of discs in multi-disc clutch is more than one, i.e., ‘n’ as shown in Figure 16.5.

Figure 16.5 Multi-disc Clutch

Torque for Uniform Pressure

Torque for Uniform Wear

Example 16.3: A multi-disc clutch has four discs on the driving shaft and three discs on driven shaft. The outside diameter of the contact surface is 240 mm and inside diameter 160 mm. Assuming uniform wear and coefficient of friction as 0.25, find the maximum axial intensity of pressure between the discs for transmission of 20 kW at 1,200 rpm.

Solution:

Given: r₁ = 240/2 = 120 mm, r₂ = 160/2 = 80 mm, μ = 0.25, Power = 20 kW, N = 1200 rpm, n₁ = 4, n₂ = 3 

Number of pair of contact surfaces = n₁ + n₂ − 1 = 4 + 3 − 1 = 6

Considering uniform wear