How Friction Disc Clutch and Friction Disc Brake Units Work
Friction clutches and friction brakes utilize friction discs to transfer the energy from one rotating member to a second rotating member. The friction between the discs of the two bodies allows the friction clutch or friction brake to transmit torque. The friction discs are flat smooth surfaces that are alternately attached to the rotating and the non-rotating elements. The sequence and type of friction surface, as well as the load presented to the friction clutch or friction brake will determine the size and number of friction surfaces that are utilized to transmit the torque.
Once the torque capacity of the surface of the friction disc is exceeded, then the friction clutch will slip. These friction clutches and friction brakes will also slip during engagement and disengagement, while the friction discs are being gradually squeezed together by whatever actuation method is used. This allows a smooth transfer of torque from one device to another, allowing gradual starts (for friction clutches) and controlled stops (for friction brakes).
