Non Traditional Method For Optimization Of Friction Clutch

This book describes the development of evolutionary algorithm for the optimal design of friction clutch. Powerful evolutionary algorithm such as Genetic Algorithm (GA) is applied for optimum design of friction clutch. The main objective function was to minimize the axial force between clutch plate and pressure plate, using diameter ratio and coefficient of friction as design variable and peripheral velocity as design constraint. The analysis in the present paper is based on understanding the relationship between diameter ratio and the design parameters like inner and outer diameters and peripheral velocity in order to arrive at the optimum design. It is shown that the dimensionless ratio of outer diameter to inner diameter is the most fundamental parameter, controlling all the major designs as well as performance parameters. The optimum design of clutch can be obtained, satisfying the constraint on design, by controlling design variable. The results of GA are compared with conventional optimization technique in order to satisfy the main objective function to minimize the axial force between pressure plate and clutch plate.