Abstract

This thesis developed high-torque-capacity floating opposing arm clutches that are manufactured with standard economical manufacturing processes, while maintaining critical performance characteristics. Contact engagement speed and torque capacity models were created for the Hoffco-Comet, floating-opposing-arm (FOA), and floating 1 (F1) clutches. Sensitivity analyses were performed to identify key design parameters. A robust compliant FOA clutch was designed by minimizing the tolerance for both contact engagement speed and torque capacity. The robust design insures that the clutch will operate within the prescribed application constraints. Additional modeling showed that using a layered clutch would significantly tighten the contact engagement speed and torque performance tolerances. The riveted layered clutch reduced engagement and torque tolerances by 83% in comparison to a single layer clutch. Two versions of the multi-layer FOA clutch were fabricated. Each clutch consisted of 10 layers and assembled into the drum of the benchmark clutch. Testing showed that the MFOA clutch's torque-speed characteristics performed comparable to the benchmark clutch. In addition, testing validated the torque-speed models and showed the validity of using multiple layers for future manufacturing.

Degree

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology; Mechanical Engineering

Rights

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