DURABILITY INVESTIGATION OF A DISC-TYPE CLUTCH
WITH ELECTRORHEOLOGICAL FLUID

The article concerns experimental research on the durability of a viscotic disc-type clutch with an
electrorheological fluid. Viscotic clutches are currently used in the power transmission of multiple
machines. The development of the viscotic clutch design is possible due to the use of working fluids with
electrorheological properties, which renders it possible to control the drivetrain with the use of an electric
current. The durability of the clutches with electrorheological fluid is important in determining the possibility
of industrial use. On the basis of bench tests of a viscotic disc clutch, the article presents considerations
regarding the operating factors of the clutch. These factors considerably impact the durability of the clutch
and its components, including the working fluid.

