In wet clutches, load-independent drag losses occur in the disengaged state and under differential speed due to fluid shearing. The drag torque of a wet clutch can be determined accurately and reliably by means of costly and time-consuming measurements. As an alternative, the drag losses can already be precisely calculated in the early development phase using computing-intensive CFD models. In contrast, simple analytical calculation models allow a rough but non-time-consuming estimation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a methodology that can be used to build a data-driven model for the prediction of the drag losses of wet clutches with low computational effort and, at the same time, sufficient accuracy under consideration of a high number of influencing parameters. For building the model, we use supervised machine learning algorithms. The methodology covers all relevant steps, from data generation to the validated prediction model as well as its usage. The methodology comprises six main steps. In Step 1, the data is generated on a suitable test rig. In Step 2, characteristic values of each measurement are evaluated to quantify the drag loss behavior. The characteristic values serve as target values to train the model. In Step 3, the structure and quality of the dataset are analyzed and, subsequently, the model input parameters are defined. In Step 4, the relationships between the investigated influencing parameters (model input) and the characteristic values (model output) are determined. Symbolic regression and Gaussian process regression have both been proven to be suitable for this task. Lastly, the model is used in Step 5 to predict the characteristic values. Based on the predictions, the drag torque can be predicted as a function of differential speed in Step 6, using an approximation function. The model allows a user-oriented prediction of the drag torque even for a high number of parameters with low computational effort and sufficient accuracy at the same time.

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Wet multi-plate clutches are relevant components of modern drivetrain applications, not only in terms of function but also safety and comfort. Especially at the beginning of their lifetime, distinct changes of the friction behavior may occur and make the actuation of the clutch challenging. This transcript describes the typical running-in behavior of wet multi-plate clutches and gives a general definition for running-in of clutches. Moreover, a new test method to systematically investigate the running-in behavior of clutches is introduced. This test method contains a test procedure to characterize the running-in behavior on different load levels. Furthermore, a multi-stage procedure to evaluate and characterize the running-in behavior of clutches with mathematical approaches and new characteristic values is given. The quality of the test method is demonstrated on the example of three different tribological systems from dual clutch transmissions (DCT) and automatic transmissions (AT) application using paper friction linings.

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Wet-running multi-plate clutches should be prevented from failing due to the often safety-relevant functions they fulfill in the drive train. In addition to long-term damage, spontaneous damage is of particular relevance for failures. This paper focuses on the influence of spontaneous damage on frictional behavior in the later life cycle. The aim of the experimental investigations is to initially cause spontaneous damage in wet-running multi-plate clutches with sintered friction linings. For this purpose, three clutches are first pre-damaged in stage tests with different intensities, so that the first spontaneous damage (local discoloration, sinter transfer) occurs. In the second step, an endurance test is carried out with the pre-damaged clutch packs and a non-pre-damaged reference clutch. The friction behavior of the clutches during the endurance test is compared and evaluated. It shows that local discoloration and sinter transfer are no longer visible after the endurance tests. At the beginning of the endurance test, the values of coefficient of friction are higher over the entire speed range of the heavily pre-damaged clutches than with the slightly pre-damaged clutch and the non-pre-damaged reference clutch. At the end of the endurance test, it can be observed that the greater the pre-damage to the clutches is, the greater the coefficient of friction increases with decreasing sliding speed.