DEVELOPMENT OF A TEST MACHINE FOR ASSESSING FRICTIONAL AND THERMAL STABILITY IN HYBRID VEHICLE TORQUE LIMITERS
2025 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition-IMECE, Tennessee, United States Of America, 16 - 20 November 2025, (Full Text)
- Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
- City: Tennessee
- Country: United States Of America
- Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Ensuring the reliability and safety of hybrid vehicle powertrain components is critical for preventing drivetrain failures and enhancing operational durability. One key component in hybrid transmissions is the torque limiter, which regulates excessive torque fluctuations and prevents driveline damage. The performance of torque limiters is heavily influenced by surface friction characteristics, which vary depending on material selection and thermal conditions. However, the lack of standardized testing methods for evaluating frictional and thermal behavior presents a challenge in optimizing torque limiter performance. This study develops a custom test machine specifically designed to measure the friction coefficient and thermal behavior of torque limiter components under controlled axial load and rotational motion. The test system integrates precise torque measurement, real-time temperature monitoring, and programmable loading control to simulate operational stresses and heat buildup encountered in hybrid drivetrains. A finite element model was also developed to simulate contact pressure distribution and deformation patterns, enabling validation of experimental results and exploration of thermal effects under varying frictional conditions. Preliminary tests indicate that material selection and thermal conductivity significantly affect friction stability and temperature rise during operation. The developed test platform successfully captures wear progression and thermal responses, providing a quantitative framework for evaluating the tribological performance of torque limiters in hybrid powertrains.