Unlubricated Clutch System based on the Function Relevant Friction Pairing Advanced Non-Oxide Ceramic vs. Steel

Within the frame work of the Centre of Excellence in Research CER
483 “High performance sliding and friction systems based on advanced
ceramics” one approach is to apply advanced ceramics as friction
material for e.g. a dry running motor vehicle clutch using the ceramic
specific benefits as wear and temperature resistance combined
with lightweight design to fulfill demands as e.g. functionality, life
time and reliability. The improvement of the wear resistance of the
clutch system is accomplished by special constructive cushion springs
in the first prototype of a complete clutch system within the ceramic
specific development process. The paper focuses on the experimental
results as e.g. friction and wear behavior in different testing levels and
the transferability of examined results between these. The aim is the
holistic gathering of data concerning tribological characterization of
the function relevant friction pairing as well as comfort and drivability
relevant parameters. Exemplary, the average coefficient of friction
as well as wear behaviour of Siliciumcarbid versus C45E is presented
for ten city cycles (more than 1000 drive off synchronizations). ... mehrThus,
by these analysis and evaluation the potential of advanced ceramics in
the field of automotive clutch systems is shown regarding the todays
demands.