Thermal analysis model of the novel conical friction element in constant slipping friction condition

The conical friction element is a novel friction element used to replace the traditional plain friction plate. The typical feature of the element is its conical surfaces. The torque transfer capability is increased by increasing the contact area. The heat transfer and temperature gradient of the conical structure is one of the critical factors in the design process. This paper aims to investigate the surface temperature of the conical friction element in constant slipping friction condition. Temperatures on the conical friction surface are calculated in transient analysis using the three-dimensional finite element model. The thermal gradients and the influence of pressure and speed on the thermal behavior are investigated. The results show that the maximum temperature difference on the conical friction surface is 0.68^oC and the maximum temperature difference on the conical friction surface is 2.4^oC. The maximum temperature difference would be acceptable. The axial force and rotating speed have a significant effect on the temperature. The experimental results indicate that the effect of relative rotating speed on temperature gradient is bigger than that of the axial force. The computational results were compared with experimental results, demonstrating the feasibility of this method.