The 5 Types of Clutches and How They Function

The internal combustion engine does indeed generate all that power, but without a clutch, there'd be no means for it to be converted into mechanical energy in order to propel the car forward. Keeping in mind that there is a wide range of engines and transmissions, it was essential for automakers to produce different types of clutches for various types of cars.

Friction Clutch

This is the most basic type of clutch and is also the most commonly used. The clutch is comprised of a release bearing, a pressure plate and a clutch plate and tends to be operated by a cable or by using hydraulics. The bearing is used to engage or disengage the flywheel and the transmission. Most cars tend to use a single plate clutch, however cars with powerful engines tend to use multiplate clutches in order to engage the transmission. Pressing the clutch pedal will disengage the transmission from the flywheel as doing so makes the bearings apply pressure to the springs on the pressure plate, in turn releasing the clutch plate.

Dry and wet clutches

Wet clutches tend to be a little more complexed. They are supplied with oil in order to keep them cool and lubricate the internals. These clutches are mostly used in machines that are high in torque figures. The heat generated from these powerful machines is what makes the oils necessary. Dry clutches however do not need any supply of lubricants or oils. Dry clutches usually tend to be single plated clutches. This in turn means that any lubrication could in fact slip the clutch due to lack of friction. Slipping in the clutch can drastically lose engine performance. This is the reason that wet clutches on the other hand tend to be multiplate clutches.

Multiplate Clutch

When a clutch has multiple plates of friction stacked one upon the other, the friction that is generated is on a much greater scale. This in turn allows it to handle a much larger torque output without sustaining any damage. The stacking of these plates enables them to fit into the same size fitment as a regular friction clutch. These clutches are mainly used for extreme high-performance motorsports such as the Formula series and the WRC respectively.

Dual Clutch mechanisms

In the premium car market segment, most cars are equipped with a dual-clutch transmission. The mechanisms comprise of using a small clutch for even gears and one large clutch for the odd ones. Due to the fast changes in gears using a DCT, they are now widely used in various types of cars such as supercars, sports cars, and even hot hatches. The fact that one clutch is engaged at all times while the other wait for input allows seamless quick shifts.

Electromagnetic and Electrohydraulic clutches

Electromagnetic clutches are usually used when there is a certain disregard for the health and life of the mechanical components that comprise the concept of shifting. This clutch setup revolves around the process of the clutch being engaged simply by proximity sensors on the shifter or the push of a button. This remote activation of the clutch comes into play through a DC current that passes through an electromagnet that in turn creates a magnetic field. These clutch systems are most common in automotive with paddle shifter systems. Pulling on any of the paddles sends an electrical signal to the clutch to disengage and engage hydraulically once shifted into the right gear. An electromagnetic clutch creates an environment where a clutch paddle is not needed at all.