KEVOS® MAKEOS · Power Transmission
Plate Clutch and Disc Brake Torque
How much torque can this plate clutch or disc brake transmit?
Torque capacity of a plate clutch or disc brake by the uniform-wear and uniform-pressure assumptions, with the peak lining pressure, against a required torque.
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How this tool works
Inputs, units and where to find them
| Input | Unit | Typical source |
|---|---|---|
| Outer diameter of lining | mm | Outside diameter of the friction lining. |
| Inner diameter of lining | mm | Inside diameter of the friction lining. |
| Friction surfaces | surfaces | Number of friction interfaces (a single plate between a flywheel and pressure plate has 2). |
| Coefficient of friction | Dynamic friction coefficient of the lining from its maker (use a conservative value). | |
| Clamping (axial) force | N | Spring or actuator clamping force. |
| Required torque (with service factor) | N·m | Torque to be transmitted, multiplied by your service factor. |
Method and formulas
- Uniform wear: T = μ F n (Rₒ + Rᵢ) ÷ 2.
- Uniform pressure: T = (2/3) μ F n (Rₒ³ − Rᵢ³) ÷ (Rₒ² − Rᵢ²).
- Peak pressure (uniform wear) p_max = F ÷ (2π Rᵢ (Rₒ − Rᵢ)).
- Example: 4000 N on 2 surfaces of a 250/150 mm lining with μ 0.3 carries 240 N·m (uniform wear).
Limitations
- Flat, annular linings; heat capacity and wear rate are not checked.
- Friction coefficient changes with temperature, speed and contamination.
- Example values are illustrations. Replace them with values for your actual task.
Typical uses
- Size a friction clutch or brake
- Check torque capacity after a lining change
- Find the clamp force needed
Who it is for
- Design engineers
- Maintenance engineers
- Automation engineers
What you get
- Torque by uniform wear (normal design basis)
- Torque by uniform pressure (new lining)
- Peak lining pressure
- Margin over the required torque
Interpreting the result
- Design on the uniform-wear torque, which is the lower and more realistic value after bedding in.
References
- Machinery’s Handbook, 29th edition (Industrial Press, 2012), printed pp. 2446–2458. Topic reference; no source tables or recommended settings are reproduced.
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