Title: Analysis of the torque transfer characteristics of viscous couplings

Authors: Y. Niikura, T. Takemura

Addresses: Research Engineer, Central Engineering Laboratories, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., 1 Natsushima-cho, Yokoruka-shi, Japan. ' Manager, Central Engineering Laboratories, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., 1 Natsushima-cho, Yokoruka-shi, Japan

Abstract: Viscous coupling made its first appearance as the propeller shaft coupling of four-wheel drive vehicles, and recently it has been widely adopted. An analysis of its basic characteristics is thus extremely important. So far, however, the characteristics of the viscous coupling have not been analysed sufficiently. In this report, the thermal capacity and the heat transmission of the viscous coupling are considered and a method of computing torque behaviour with temperature variation was developed. By employing this new method, the various relative impacts of the silicone viscosity, the plate clearance and other factors have been effectively clarified. The method has also made it possible to calculate the time at which the |hump| will occur. The characteristics of the |hump|, including a theoretical explanation, will be given in another report in the future.

Keywords: hump; shear viscosity; silicone oil; torque transfer; viscous couplings; thermal capacity; thermal variation; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1991.061673

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1991 Vol.12 No.1, pp.79 - 88

Published online: 27 May 2014 *

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