Definition

1. Noun:
   • A friction clutch in which the frictional surfaces are disks: A mechanical device used to connect and disconnect rotating shafts, where the torque is transmitted through the friction between one or more pairs of flat, circular plates (disks).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The vehicle's transmission uses a disk clutch to engage the gears smoothly.
  • A common type of disk clutch is the single-plate clutch found in many manual cars.

Advanced Usage

• Engineering Context: In technical specifications, a "disk clutch" is often described by its material (e.g., ceramic, organic), number of plates (single or multi-plate), and application (e.g., automotive, industrial machinery).
  • The high-performance model is equipped with a carbon-fiber multi-plate disk clutch.

Variants and Related Words

• Clutch plate (n): Another term for the individual friction disk within a disk clutch assembly.
  • Worn clutch plates need to be replaced.
• Friction clutch (n): The broader category of clutches that operate on the principle of friction, which includes the disk clutch.
  • A friction clutch is essential for manual gear shifting.

Synonyms

• Plate clutch: A synonym often used interchangeably with "disk clutch."

Related Phrases

• Engage the clutch: To operate the clutch mechanism to connect the engine to the transmission.
  • You must fully engage the clutch before changing gears.
• Slipping clutch: A condition where the clutch disks fail to maintain full friction, causing a loss of power transmission.
  • The car's poor acceleration was due to a slipping clutch.

Noun

1. a friction clutch in which the frictional surfaces are disks