Part – B Micro-Project Report

Title of Micro-Project- single plate clutch

1.0 Rationale
A single plate clutch is a fundamental component of automotive
engineering. As a crucial part of a vehicle's transmission system,
it plays a pivotal role in controlling power transfer from the
engine to the wheels. This type of clutch operates on a relatively
simple yet effective principle, relying on a single friction plate
and essential components to engage and disengage power
seamlessly. Single plate clutches are a staple in many
automobiles, ensuring smooth gear changes and efficient power
transmission, making them an indispensable element of modern
vehicles.

2.0 Aims/Benefits of the Micro-Project

 To make a report on single plate clutch .
 To understand concept of single plate clutch.
 To study different structures and their single plate clutch.
 Constructing appropriate structures requires a comprehensive
examination of their analysis because different types of structures
serve specific functions.
 To accurately evaluate the various types of structures, it is
necessary to conduct a precise analysis of the impacts and types
of forces.
 The main focus of this project was to gain a better understanding
of the practical applications of the single plate Clutch in the
context of understanding structures.

3.0 Course Outcomes Addressed

a) Find centroid and centre of gravity
b) Understand the impact of forces
4.0 Actual Methodology Followed
We first selected the topic for the micro project as Centre of Gravity.
Further we collected the resources: computer systems, textbooks,
internet, etc. We gathered the relevant information form the book and
internet to understand the concepts of gravity, Centre and centroid of
Gravity and the methods to find the Centre of Gravity. Then we
systematically arranged the information on the Centre of Gravity of
different structures in MS Word application. Later on we prepared the
report in MS Word. Lastly we took the print out of this Micro Project.

5.0 Actual Resources Used

S. Name of Specifications Q Remark
No. Resource/material ty s
1 Dell Inspiron (13 16 GB RAM,1
70000 Windows 13 core i5
10th GEN
2 Internet Hatway 1
3 Text Book/Manual 22203 Applied1
Mechanics

6.0 Outputs of the Micro-Projects

What is Centre of Gravity?

Introduction
The single plate clutch employs a friction plate connected to the splines
of the driving shaft, while the flywheel is attached to the engine's
crankshaft and turns in tandem with it. It harnesses the force of friction
to initiate motion on the driven shaft, smoothly accelerating it from rest
to the desired speed while minimising excessive slippage between the
friction surfaces.
Efficient power transmission relies on the careful engagement of the
friction surfaces, as the friction clutch assumes a pivotal role in
establishing the connection between the engine and the driven shaft.
This process necessitates a gradual and controlled engagement to
achieve the desired speed of the driven shaft.
To ensure effective load transfer, precise alignment of the bearing is
crucial, and it should be positioned as closely to the clutch as possible
to minimise the risk of fatigue failure over time.

Single Plate Clutch Main Parts

Single Plate clutch consists of the following Main Parts:

o Engine Shaft
o Flywheel
o Friction Lining
o Clutch Spring
o Clutch Plate
o Pressure Plate
o Clutch Pedal and
o Bearings

Engine Shaft

The engine shaft is a rotating component that converts one form of

motion into another. This shaft is directly linked to the engine's
mechanisms and acts as the focal point where clutch operations take
effect. It consists of two parts: the driving shaft connected to the engine
and the driven shaft, which operates concurrently with the driving shaft
via a gearbox.
Flywheel:

Flywheels are energy storage devices utilising a rotating wheel, with

stored energy increasing quadratically with angular velocity and
linearly with the moment of inertia. While they can reach high angular
velocities, there is a risk of material disintegration due to the resulting
forces. During clutch engagement and disengagement, the flywheel
serves as an energy source whenever needed.

Friction Lining:

The friction lining, a friction disc, plays a crucial role in initiating and
terminating energy transfer between a driven shaft and a drive shaft.
Designed with a low coefficient of friction, friction linings facilitate
quiet, stable, and smooth clutch operations. Materials used for friction
linings typically include asbestos, fibreglass, and silicon dioxide.

Thrust Spring:

Helical-coil thrust springs are positioned between the pressure plate and
the clutch cover. In a compressed state, these springs provide the
necessary torque to load the pressure plate against the driven plate
when the clutch is engaged. They are constructed from high tensile
steel and nickel-chrome steel.

Clutch Plate:

In a single plate clutch, a clutch plate is employed as a primary

component. This clutch plate is a thin, disc-shaped metallic piece
featuring friction linings on both sides. The frictional surfaces are
responsible for transmitting the requisite torque.

Pressure Plate:

The pressure plate exerts force on the clutch plates, ensuring proper
contact between the flywheel and clutch plate surfaces through attached
springs. Typically made from cast iron, the pressure plate is a key
element of clutch functionality.

Clutch Pedal:
The clutch pedal is the driver-operated control for the clutch. It is used
when shifting gears, and it involves a set of mechanical linkages that
facilitate clutch engagement and disengagement.

Release Bearings:
Also known as throw-out bearings, release bearings are positioned
around the input shaft at the rear of the pressure plate. Their role is to
reduce friction between the release fork and the clutch pressure plate
lever, minimising wear and tear on the pressure plate. Proper
lubrication is essential, and there are both mechanical and hydraulic
release bearings available.

Single Plate Clutch Working

The working of Single Plate Clutch can be comprehended as follows:

o The pressure plate is affixed to the flywheel by means of clutch

springs, utilising splines on the shaft for this connection. It has the
freedom to move along the clutch shaft when the clutch pedal is
operated.
o A single plate friction clutch comprises two flanges, with one
flange securely attached to the driving shaft and the other free to
move along the driven shaft due to a splined connection.
o Working on the principle of a single plate clutch, the action force
is generated by a spring, which compels the driven flange to
approach the driving flange. The surface of the drive flange is
lined with friction materials like cork, leather, and asbestos.
o The pressure plate is supported by release levers, acting against
compression springs, to keep the friction linings on the clutch
plates separated from the flywheel and pressure plate.
o Upon releasing the pressure plate, the compression springs allow
the pressure plate to move leftwards, bringing it into contact with
the clutch.
o As the pressure plate shifts to the left, it slides along the splined
cut on the hub along the driven shaft until the friction lining
makes contact with the flywheel's cone.
o The compression springs then cause the linings to be gripped
between the pressure plate and the flywheel. The resulting friction
between the linings, flywheel, and pressure plate initiates the
rotation of the clutch plate around the driven shaft.
 o Single plate clutches have relatively lower torque transmission
capacity, reduced heat generation, and exhibit a high coefficient
of friction.

Single Plate Clutch Advantages

The various advantages of Single Plate Clutch are:

o Simple and cost-effective design

o Smooth engagement and disengagement of power
o Efficient transmission of power
o Lightweight and compact
o Minimal maintenance requirements

Single Plate clutch Disadvantages

The limitations are:

o Limited torque handling capacity

o Prone to slipping under heavy loads
o Potential for clutch plate wear and replacement
o Heat generation during prolonged use
o Not suitable for high-performance or heavy-duty applications

Application of Single Plate Clutch

Single Plate Clutch finds applications in the following:

o Automotive vehicles (cars and motorcycles)

o Light to medium-duty industrial machinery
o Agricultural equipment
o Generators and power take-off units
o Small boats and marine propulsion systems.

7.0 Skill Developed / Learning outcome of this Micro-Project

1. We understood the meaning and definition of Centre of Gravity.

2. We learnt to calculate the Centre of Gravity.
 3. We got the knowledge of difference between Centre of Mass and
Centre of Gravity
4. Skills Developed: Resource Mobilization, Extracting the relevant
information for the micro project, reading skills, Use of MS
Word for Report Writing, Report Drafting and Finalization

8.0 Applications of this Micro-Project

Almost all know the clutch used in vehicles. But, single plate clutches
are used where a large radio space area is available. So bigger vehicles
like buses, trucks and cars have single-plate type clutches, but not
possible to use in small vehicles like bikes, and scooters. In motorbikes
and scooters, multi-plate clutches are used. Multi-plate clutch requires
less radial space.
The single plate clutches have a larger surface area that dissipates heat
easily. Hence, there is no required cooling oil. That’s why this is a dry-
type clutch.