Thermo-mechanical assessment in three auto-ventilated disc brake by implementing finite elements

Abstract

During the braking process of a vehicle, temperature rise caused by friction between the brake pads and the disc is not quickly dissipated. This depends on the disc’s geometrical features, cooling channels and manufacturing material. Therefore, when there comes a sudden braking, immense amounts of heat may build up in a brief time, which cause elevated temperature gradients to rise within the disc. Under these conditions, brake system’s functionality and safety might be jeopardized. The objective of present research seeks to simulate temperature performance and mechanical properties in three ventilated brake discs, through Finite Elements Analysis and by means of ANSYS Software and SolidWorks Simulation. Brakes temperature and geometrical structure was noted by using a specialized design software. Results and conclusion: The results obtained prove that discs can be effectively used at extreme work conditions, at a speed of 800 Km/h and at a 20 °C room temperature. However, it is important to select the right geometrical features, so heat loss process is efficient and higher safety standards are guaranteed, ever since maintenance and cleaning of all system’s components are adequately performed. It was found that brake systems efficiency evidently depended on discs geometrical features, work conditions in which they are operated and the distinct types of available brake discs, as it was proved through software-made simulations.