Jiangling pickup trucks do face a higher risk of clutch disc slippage under frequent start-stop conditions, primarily due to the unique nature of their operating environment. As a core component of power transmission, the clutch disc needs to switch rapidly between engaged and disengaged states. Frequent start-stop operations cause the clutch disc to remain in a semi-engaged state for extended periods, subjecting the friction surfaces to continuous high temperatures and pressures, accelerating material wear and thermal degradation. If the clutch disc's friction material performance is insufficient or its structural design is flawed, the risk of slippage will be further exacerbated, affecting the stability of the vehicle's power output and the lifespan of the transmission system.
The direct cause of clutch disc slippage is a decrease in the coefficient of friction. Under high-temperature conditions, traditional friction materials are prone to thermal decomposition or oxidation, leading to reduced surface roughness and oil adhesion, thus weakening friction. For example, phenolic resin-based friction materials are prone to decomposition at high temperatures, producing gases and residues that form a lubricating layer, reducing friction performance. Furthermore, under frequent start-stop conditions, the relative sliding speed between the clutch disc and the flywheel and pressure plate increases, causing a sharp rise in local temperature, which may lead to material softening or ablation, further exacerbating the risk of slippage.
Improving the thermal degradation resistance of the Jiangling pickup truck's clutch disc requires optimizing the material formulation. Using high-performance friction materials is key, such as potassium hexatite whisker-reinforced composite materials, which possess excellent high-temperature resistance and thermal stability, significantly improving the friction coefficient retention of the friction pads at high temperatures. These materials, through the reinforcing effect of whiskers, inhibit the thermal decomposition of the matrix resin, reducing the degradation of the friction coefficient at high temperatures. Simultaneously, avoiding the use of traditional materials containing heavy metals such as copper and lead not only meets environmental protection requirements but also reduces the catalytic oxidation effect of metal elements at high temperatures, extending the service life of the friction pads.
Structural design improvements are equally important for enhancing thermal degradation resistance. For the contact surface between the pressure plate and the clutch disc, heat dissipation efficiency can be improved by optimizing the layout of the cooling fins or adding surface bumps. For example, adding blower-type cooling fins to the pressure plate surface utilizes the airflow during vehicle movement to accelerate heat dissipation and reduce the temperature of the friction surface. Furthermore, improving the pressure plate support structure reduces stress concentration and avoids uneven friction caused by localized deformation, thereby reducing the risk of thermal degradation. For the clutch disc itself, a multi-piece design or optimized riveting process can be adopted to reduce the thermal resistance between the friction plates and the backplate, improving overall heat dissipation performance.
Upgrading the manufacturing process is crucial for ensuring the clutch disc's resistance to thermal degradation. Using solvent-free extrusion instead of traditional impregnation avoids the problem of excessive porosity in the friction material caused by residual organic solvents, improving material density and wear resistance. Simultaneously, waste recycling technology reduces the introduction of impurities during production, ensuring a smooth surface on the friction plates and reducing the risk of oil adhesion at high temperatures. Furthermore, strictly controlling heat treatment process parameters, such as solution treatment temperature and time, can refine the material grains, improving its high-temperature strength and creep resistance.
Driving habits significantly impact the clutch disc's resistance to thermal degradation. Frequent partial clutch engagement significantly increases the clutch disc's operating temperature, accelerating the thermal degradation process. Therefore, drivers should avoid prolonged clutch pedal depressing and release the clutch completely as soon as possible after starting to reduce partial clutch engagement time. When driving in congested areas, low-gear coasting or neutral coasting strategies can be used to reduce clutch usage frequency. Furthermore, avoiding sudden acceleration and braking reduces the impact load on the clutch disc caused by sudden power changes, helping to extend its service life.
Regular maintenance and inspection are crucial measures to prevent clutch disc slippage. It is recommended to check the thickness and surface condition of the clutch disc after a certain mileage. If excessive wear, exposed rivets, or surface burning are found, it should be replaced promptly. Simultaneously, check the pressure plate spring tension and release bearing lubrication to ensure the operating mechanism is functioning properly. For hydraulic clutch systems, the hydraulic oil level and pipeline sealing should be checked regularly to prevent incomplete clutch engagement due to insufficient pressure. Through a systematic maintenance strategy, the risk of clutch disc slippage in Jiangling pickup trucks under frequent start-stop conditions can be effectively reduced, improving the reliability and economy of vehicle power transmission.
