Study on launch control strategies of dual clutch transmission

A simulation model was built by means of Matlab/Simulink in order to study the launch process for a heavy duty truck equipped with a dual clutch transmission (DCT). Clutch thermal problem is a challenge for further application of DCT on heavy duty vehicles. A fuzzy control method with full consideration of clutch critical thermal energy value was proposed. In order to further reduce the friction work on the clutch during launch process, an improved control method was proposed, which involves two clutches participation during launch process. Two clutches participation can share the total friction work, thus decreases the risk of clutch warping, deformation and erosion. Simulation results show that this control method can result into better launch quality. The simulation model and proposed control strategies can provide a useful engineering tool for further development of such transmission.