COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PASSENGER CAR CLUTCH CONSTRUCTIONS AND THEIR OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

The clutch is one of the most important functional units in the transmission system of passenger cars equipped with manual or automated manual drivetrains. Its main task is to connect and disconnect the engine from the gearbox, provide smooth vehicle starting, enable gear shifting without excessive shock loads, and protect driveline components from torsional vibrations and overloads. Although the general operating principle of friction clutches has remained relatively stable for many decades, their structural design has continuously evolved due to increasing requirements for comfort, durability, compactness, thermal resistance, noise reduction, and stable torque transmission. This article presents a comparative analysis of the main clutch constructions used in passenger cars, including conventional single-plate dry clutches, diaphragm spring clutches, mechanically and hydraulically actuated clutch systems, self-adjusting clutches, torsion-damped driven discs, and compact multi-disc solutions. Special attention is paid to their operational characteristics, such as torque capacity, pedal effort, engagement smoothness, thermal loading, wear resistance, service life, and failure modes. The study also includes two simulated graphical analyses.