What is the Difference Between Dry and Wet Clutch Transmissions?
1 Answers
Different in transmission efficiency: From the structure of the clutch, it can be seen that the wet clutch has a more complex structure. A more complex structure means higher energy loss, so the transmission efficiency of the wet dual-clutch transmission is lower, occupying more engine power. Under unchanged other factors, this also means higher fuel consumption. Specific details are as follows: 1. Response speed: The dry clutch transmits power through direct contact of metal plates, making power transmission more direct. When the metal plates are pressed tightly, the transmission ratio increases, resulting in a direct and significant effect. The wet clutch, however, uses oil as an intermediary, requiring the active disc to accelerate, the centrifugal force of the oil to increase, and then the driven disc to accelerate. This additional step makes the response speed slightly slower. 2. Torque capacity: The metal friction plates of the dry clutch cannot withstand too much torque. If subjected to excessive stress impact, it can easily lead to damage of the friction plates. Therefore, dry clutches can only be used in vehicles with small displacement and low torque output. Some models even deliberately reduce the engine's torque output in low gears to adapt to the dry clutch, aiming to protect the transmission clutch.