Optimization of Multi Plate Friction clutch for Maximum Torque Transmitting Capacity Using Uniform Wear Theory

Optimization is the art of obtaining the best results under given circumstances. In design, construction and maintenance of any engineering system, the ultimate goal is either to minimize the effort required or to maximize the desired benefits. The various processes of optimization come under the subject Operation Research (O.R.). O.R. one of the branch of mathematics which is concerned which the application of scientific methods and techniques to design making problems and establishing optimal situations. In this project we aim to find the optimum design of a multi disc friction clutch through operations research techniques. The two methods used are stochastic programming and geometric programming. The existing design procedure treats design variables as deterministic ones. In actual practice due to manufacturing tolerances etc. design variables do not remain deterministic but become probabilistic. The probabilistic nature of these should be given proper consideration while designing. This project deals with an approach which takes into account the probabilistic nature of designs variables, as well as probability of satisfying constraint equations. Stochastic signomial geometric programming has been used for optimization. In this paper we aimed to solve the optimized result for the multi plate friction clutch using the uniform wear theory and obtained the optimum result of the inner radius and outer radius of the multi disc friction clutch.[7] (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd.