An Analytical Model of Multiarc Sprag Clutch considering Geometry and Internal Interaction during Engagement

Abstract EN

A new multiarc sprag clutch model considering geometry and internal interaction during engagement is proposed in this paper.

To increase the accuracy of the model, an improved model of geometric deformation coordination is presented to describe the basic geometrical quantities after rotation of the sprag.

Then, based on this model, a novel nonlinear iteration method focusing on the varied contact radius is proposed to compute the normal contact force and show a good agreement with the FEM model.

In addition, the alternate friction model considering stationary and rate-dependency friction is formulated and applied in the contacts of both the inner race and outer race.

The proposed model is verified by comparison with other published results and experimental results.

In subsequent analysis, the new model fully reveals the dynamical behaviors of the multiarc clutch during preload engagement under torque excitation; therefore, it will be useful for the performance analysis and dynamic design of multiarc sprag clutch.