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
