Similarly to other cars with combustion engines in F1, the link between the engine and gearbox is established by the clutch. An important construction element of the clutch is its size. The constructors struggle to obtain lowest possible centre of gravity and in this respect it is vitally important to install the engine as close to the working plane as possible. Whereas the clutch diameter directly sets the height of the crankshaft. Therefore the objective is to make the clutch with the smallest diameter. Currently the F1 clutches reach diameters around 100 mm. A small diameter means a substantial reduction of the contact surface of the lamellas of the clutch, which, together with the enormous torque it has to transfer, naturally leads to the multiple disk design. Another important aspect is acceleration of the whole shifting process while minimizing the risk of damaging the clutch.
Therefore the gearboxes are automated, which means that the driver still can shift at his will using the paddles under the steering wheel, however doing so, he does not have to control the clutch itself in any way. That work is done by an electro-hydraulics system that is faster than the driver and also operates in a way that prevents the clutch from burning. The pilot actually can control the clutch directly but only when the car comes to a stop. The major producers in F1 are mainly AP Racing and Sachs, who prepare a carbon composite clutches for the monoposts. The carbon disks are not only able to work at high temperatures around 500°C but stand a huge stress load as well. The clutch without the electro-hydraulics system is about 1.5kg heavy. |
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