Research Topic

Short Title	KUPSIM 3D
Start of Project	Q3/2025
Funding	FVA-Nr. 1082/I Research Association for Drive Technology e.V., FVA
Contact	P. Strobl, M.Sc.

Project Description

In wet clutches, damage, functional influences, and frictional effects can significantly impact the thermal behavior. To identify the factors influencing thermal behavior, model-based computational approaches can provide relevant information. Experimental determination of surface temperatures within the frictional contact zone of wet clutches is challenging due to complex conditions and high sensitivity to disruption. For this reason, the two-dimensional methodological platform KUPSIM was developed in preliminary projects, enabling numerical reproduction of the thermal behavior of wet clutches in both axial and radial directions.

To accurately capture detailed temperature distributions within the clutch, additional asymmetric influencing factors such as groove patterns and oil distribution, must be considered. Twodimensional numerical models are insufficient for realistic representation in such cases. Out of this reason, a transition to a three-dimensional computational framework is required. Established simulation software based on FEM or CFD approaches offers a potential solution and has already been used in research contexts. Applying these methods in industrial settings remains challenging. In addition to high licensing costs, these tools require detailed expert knowledge in both the thermo-fluid dynamics of wet clutches and the use of numerical simulation software. Moreover, long computation times negatively affect their practical use.

To overcome these complex requirements while using the benefits of three-dimensional simulation, the existing two-dimensional version of the thermal methodological platform KUPSIM is to be further developed into a three-dimensional version, KUPSIM 3D.