Modeling and Simulation of Diaphragm Spring Clutch

A model was developed to simulate a vehicle diaphragm spring clutch with the evaluation indicators of jerk degree and friction work.First,the pressing load characteristic of the driven plate of the diaphragm spring clutch was analyzed.Then,the clutch dynamic characteristic under each state was studied according to the basic principles of tribology.Finally,the mathematical model of the clutch was developed.Based on the model,the performance of a vehicle was simulated.The simulation results show that the model can predict the dynamic characteristic of the clutch correctly and evaluate the performance of the clutch engagement effectively.The model can be used for theoretical research of automatic clutch control and can be easily applied to simulate vehicle longitudinal dynamics.

Synergistic Effects of Carbon Nanotube(CNT)and Reduced Graphene Oxide(RGO)on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of ZK61 Alloy

The hybrid of carbon nanotube(CNT)and reduced graphene oxide(RGO)reinforced ZK61 composite was fabricated by a hot extrusion process.Compared with the raw ZK61 alloy and single-reinforced composites,the hybrid-reinforced by RGO+CNT complex exhibited significant enhancements both in mechanical and thermal performance.By adjusting the proportion of RGO and CNT in ZK61 alloy,the obtained optimum ZK61/(0.06 wt%RGO+0.54 wt%CNT)composite exhibited increase of 25.4%in yield strength,26.5%in ultimate tensile strength,104%in failure strain and 30.4%in thermal conductivity,respectively,in comparison with ZK61 alloy.The superior properties of the nano-hybrid composite are attributed to the synergetic effects of RGO and CNT,leading to a uniform dispersion and integrated structure as well as the enhanced interfacial bonding with matrix.The strengthening ability of RGO and CNT was calculated to quantify their individual contribution to the improvement in mechanical and thermal properties of the ZK61 matrix composite.The RGO+CNT hybrids provide a promising way to develop Mg matrix composites with impressive performances.

Simultaneously Enhanced Thermal and Mechanical Properties of ZK60 Alloy Reinforced by Oriented Graphene Nanoplatelets

The lamellar and orientational characteristics of graphene nanoplatelets(GNPs)are crucial for reinforcing metal matrix composites,particularly in terms of their thermal properties.Two kinds of GNPs with plane sizes of 6µm and 80µm were respectively used as reinforcements in ZK60 alloy by powder metallurgy.The oriented distribution of GNPs in the matrix was obtained using a double-pass hot extrusion process,i.e.,a stepped extrusion with two consecutive extrusion ratios(10:1 and 16:1).Reinforced with 0.05 wt%oriented GNPs(80µm),the composite exhibited a tensile yield strength of 257 MPa,ultimate tensile strength of 342 MPa,elongation of 24.7%,and notably enhanced thermal conductivity of 128.3 W(mK)−1 even with refined grain size compared to the ZK60 alloy.The oriented GNPs in the matrix create a favorable path for efficient load and heat transfer,leading to the simultaneously enhancement of mechanical and thermal properties of the GNPs/ZK60 composites.This work is expected to broaden the application potential of GNPs as highly efficient reinforcements and provide a practical method for fabricating metal matrix composites.