Experimental Test Rig for Surface Temperature Measurements in Disc Brakes

Abstract

The brakes are one of the most important aspects of a vehicle, since it fulfills all the stopping functions and requirements. As trivial brakes may appear to be, many issues surround their heating characteristics when it comes to their development; including material choice, contact region properties, development of hotspots and associated physical geometry. This project seeks to develop experimental test rig applicable to thermal analysis of disk brakes. For the dimensioning of test bench, calculation of theoretical possible brake torque assessment of disc, heat transfer from a rotating disc, plays an important role. The development of Brake rotor[1], which can be used to check the hot spots, is described. For the test, calculations of theoretically possible disc torques, measurement of temperature using non- contact temperature measuring device have been done. A special focus is laid on hot spots and temperature distribution[2] in serial tests. The test protocol is checked using graphs. This paper focuses on quantification of thermal performance of different brake disc under various operating parameters; including constant load braking, various operating speed and development of empirical relation generalizing the temperature pattern in brake discs. This paper also presents the various solutions related to materials, design changes and help to dissipate the heat and eliminate the associated problems.