Finite Element Analysis of Temperature Field of Clutch in Tunnel Boring Machine

In order to develope the suitable friction materials of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) clutch plate, the temperature field of contact interface was established by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software ANSYS. The simulation results shows that the highest temperature at the friction interface is approximately 370□. At the sliding interfaces, the heat-affected region of friction facings is far less than that of counter disc. With the clutching time is prolonged, the difference of heat-affected zone in sliding system becomes increasingly distinct, and the heat-affected area of the countepart is much larger than that of the friction materials.