KEVOS® MAKEOS · Power Transmission
Cone Clutch Torque and Engaging Force
How much torque can this cone clutch carry, and what force engages it?
Torque capacity of a cone clutch by the uniform-wear assumption, the axial force to hold it engaged, and the higher force needed during engagement.
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How this tool works
Inputs, units and where to find them
| Input | Unit | Typical source |
|---|---|---|
| Large diameter of cone face | mm | Outer (large) diameter of the friction surface. |
| Small diameter of cone face | mm | Inner (small) diameter of the friction surface. |
| Cone half-angle | ° | Half-angle of the cone from its axis (often 8–15°; below about 8° the cone tends to stick). |
| Coefficient of friction | Friction coefficient of the lining. | |
| Axial holding force | N | Axial force holding the clutch engaged (spring force). |
| Required torque (with service factor) | N·m | Torque to transmit, multiplied by your service factor. |
Method and formulas
- T = μ F (D + d) ÷ (4 sin α).
- Engaging force (slipping in) = F (sin α + μ cos α) ÷ sin α.
- Margin = capacity ÷ required.
- Example: 1500 N on a 12° cone carries 162.33 N·m; engaging needs 3,264.2 N.
Limitations
- Uniform-wear assumption; new linings carry slightly more torque.
- Small cone angles may jam and need a release force.
- Example values are illustrations. Replace them with values for your actual task.
Typical uses
- Size a cone clutch or synchroniser
- Choose the cone angle
- Find spring force for a given torque
Who it is for
- Design engineers
- Maintenance engineers
- Machine builders
What you get
- Torque capacity (uniform wear)
- Force needed during engagement
- Margin over required torque
Interpreting the result
- Cone angles below about 8° tend to stick; above about 15° the axial force rises.
References
- Machinery’s Handbook, 29th edition (Industrial Press, 2012), printed pp. 2446–2449. Topic reference; no source tables or recommended settings are reproduced.
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