Offset clutch mechanism for electric starting and barring motor of a gas-turbine engine

A method of operating a clutch assembly, the method comprising:

• engaging, at a first time, a first clutch member and a second clutch member,
• wherein the first clutch member is disposed near a first end of a first shaft, the first clutch member defines a first surface, and a starter motor is coupled to a second end of the first shaft,
• wherein the second clutch member is disposed near a first end of a second shaft, the second clutch member defines a second surface opposing the first surface, and an accessory gearbox of a gas turbine engine is coupled to a second end of the second shaft,
• wherein, when the first clutch member is engaged with the second clutch member, the first surface of the first clutch member engages the second surface of the second clutch member such that rotational motion is transferred between the first clutch member and the second clutch member;
• passively disengaging, at a second time that is after the first time, the first clutch member and the second clutch member, wherein an electrical center of a stator of the starter motor and an electrical center of a rotor of the starter motor are axially offset when the first clutch member is in a disengaged position;
• and
• actively reengaging, at a third time that is after the second time, the first clutch member and the second clutch member by supplying energy to a starter motor, wherein supplying energy to the starter motor generates an axial force on the first shaft sufficient to reengage the first clutch member and the second clutch member.