Hi Folks,

   This is the centrifugal clutch that fits up to the Rotac C gearbox.

   Wondering if anyone know about centrifugal clutches or alternatives.

   My knowledge stops at the common car manual clutch and the fluid
flywheel or Torque converter torque converter would be great except for
weight.

   Could be easily coupled to the current Planetary conversions but
would add about 16 Kg  or there about (I think) far too much weight.

   Regards

   George from Aus




Aside from the weight there are other issues. In operation there is a
slip RPM. The output turns
at a lower RPM than the input. This "stall" speed can be from 700 to
about 3800 RPM.  The slip causes heat
an consumes HP. The ATF fluid would need to be circulated thru an oil
cooler and the torque converter
resulting in additional failure points.  On the plus side it is likely
to eliminate any torsional resonance issues.
george Grimes


I just had an idea that I hope doesn't sound to nutty.  Would it be possible
to make a torque converter that would work with engine oil?  If you're only
using the torque converter to deal with torsional vibration and function as
a low-speed clutch, this might work.  This way, you only need engine oil
with no extra pumps or coolers.  The torque converter could be made to stall
at 2500 rpm, or so which would be about right for a helicopter.   I don't
think the all-up assembly would be any heavier than a vibration absorber
plus a centrifugal clutch.  You could even have a lock-up torque converter
to eliminate losses.

Steve Brazil