Abstract: Based on the lubrication mechanics and the friction principle of asperity, a mathematical model describing the synchronization process of multi-cone friction pair is established and numerically solved. Then, the change laws of the relative speed of the driving and driven plates, the thickness of the oil film, the bearing capacity of the oil film, the bearing capacity of the micro peak, the viscous shear torque, the rough friction torque, etc., with the synchronization time during the synchronization process, are analyzed. Moreover, the effects of such factors as the cone angle, the number of friction cones, the surface roughness, the initial relative speed and the loading pressure on the synchronization process are investigated based on the established mathematical model. The results show that (1) the multi-cone friction pair has an obvious wedge-shaped self-energizing effect and can provide large cone contact pressure with small axial loading force| (2) the synchronous torque can be increased and the synchronization time can be shortened by reducing the cone angle and by increasing the number of friction cones, the surface roughness and the axial loading force| and (3) the synchronization time is roughly linear to the initial relative speed.

Key words: multi-cone friction pair, dynamic engagement characteristics, self-energizing effect, effect factor