Polymer derived fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite clutch
AssigneeNorthrop Grumman Corporation
InventorsSteven Donald Atmur, Thomas Edward Strasser, William Scott Richardson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A structural fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite (FRCMC) material adapted for clutch use. The entirety of the frictional components of a clutch mechanism or only particular components thereof can be made of the FRCMC material. One embodiment has integrally molded fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite clutch friction pads forming the friction surfaces of metal clutch parts. Clutch components exhibiting a higher temperature and wear-resistance than currently available clutch parts are described. These clutch components and pads exhibit improved performance at high temperatures and are highly wear-resistant in comparison to current clutch components.
Claims42
A clutch mechanism comprising:
- at least one clutch component having at least one friction surface thereof formed of a structural fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite material comprising fibers coated with an interface material, a polymer-derived resin in its ceramic form, and an erosion-resistant/friction-inducing material.
A clutch mechanism comprising:
- a) clutch components formed of metal;
- and,
- b) a plurality of clutch friction pads disposed on adjacent surfaces of said clutch components, said plurality of clutch friction pads being formed of a structural fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite material comprising fibers coated with an interface material, a polymer-derived resin in its ceramic form, and an erosion-resistant/friction-inducing material.
A clutch friction pad, comprising:
- a first portion adjacent a frictional surface of the pad and a second portion forming the remainder of the pad, wherein at least the first portion is formed of a structural fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite material comprising fibers coated with an interface material, a polymer-derived resin in its ceramic form, and an erosion-resistant/friction-inducing material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.