It is the most common type of clutch plate used in motor vehicles. Basically it consists of only one clutch plate, mounted on the splines of the clutch plate. The flywheel is mounted on engine crankshaft and rotates with it. The pressure plate is bolted to the flywheel through clutch springs, and is free to slide on the clutch shaft when the clutch pedal is operated. When the clutch is engaged
the clutch plate is gripped between the flywheel and pressure plate. The friction linings are on both the sides of the clutch plate. Due to the friction between the flywheel, clutch plate and the pressure
plate the clutch plate revolves the flywheel. As the clutch plate revolves the clutch shaft also revolves. Clutch shaft is connected to the transmission gear box. Thus the engine power is transmitted to the crankshaft and then to the clutch shaft.
When the clutch pedal is pressed, the pressure plate moves back against the force of the springs, and the clutch plate becomes free between the flywheel and the pressure plate. Thus the flywheel remains rotating as long as the engine is running and the clutch shaft speed reduces slowly and finally it stops rotating. As soon as the clutch pedal is pressed, the clutch is said to be engaged, otherwise it remains engaged due to the spring forces.
