A Closed-Loop Strategy of Active Differential Clutch Control

The paper presents experimentally supported control-oriented analysis of dynamics of an active differential wet clutch actuated by a geared DC motor. A closed-loop clutch control strategy is proposed. The strategy is based on experimentally obtained hysteresis-free clutch applied force vs. motor position curve and related closed-loop motor position control. A controller algorithm is proposed to compensate for the effect of clutch free-play variations due to clutch wear. The proposed control strategy performance is verified on a wet clutch experimental setup.