AVL- PASSION AND RESULTS
AVL is the world's largest privately owned company for development, simulation and testing technology of powertrains (hybrid, combustion engines, transmission, electric drive, batteries and software) for passenger cars, trucks and large engines.
Thesis work – CFD Study of open clutches
Background
Clutches are used to engage or disengage the power transmission between the driving shaft and driven shaft. In Automotive industry wet clutches are used for different applications. In the open clutch mode the two plates have difference in rotational speeds and a small gap between them. Oil is passed though the plates for cooling and lubrication purpose during the engagement process. However, during the disengagement mode the shearing of the oil between the plates results in viscous losses. The issue of drag torque between the plats of disengaged clutches has been studied for some time. Studies have been made to investigate the groove pattern on the friction material and the gap between the plates. Efforts have been made to develop simplified models to calculate the drag loss in the clutches.
This study will provide deeper understanding of the flow physics at extreme operating conditions that are otherwise not possible or very challenging with traditional testing methods. CFD simulations will be used to simulate multiphase flow though the clutch plates with different operating conditions and designs. Simulations will help to build the knowledge of how the groove pattern effects the oil distribution and affect the losses in the system.
What
The goal with the thesis is to utilize CFD as a tool to study the open clutches. Build an understanding of the multiphase flow physics in clutches.
How
· Carry out CFD simulations to study the effect of groove pattern and gap between the plates on drag torque
· Focus on the flow physics at low temperatures
· Based on the study develop/update equation that incorporates the effect of the groove patterns/depth
When
Spring 2017
Tools
STARCCM+ , AVL FIRE
Candidates
M.Sc. student in engineering within applied mechanics or physics area.
Knowledge in Fluid Mechanics and CFD will be beneficial.
Contact
For more information please contact
Usman Afridi +46-(0)701-678223