Cast Iron Brake Discs - Current Position, Performance and Future Trends in Europe

The paper represents a brief summary of a survey of the chemical and metallurgical composition of cast iron brake discs, as used in automotive applications by a wide range of different manufacturers across Europe. From the findings, sample discs were produced, to a standard design, to represent the range of materials found. Braking performance tests were then carried out under laboratory conditions, using two different friction materials.

The findings were compared with similar, earlier findings, as reported in the literature and these are discussed, as are the effects of the alloying elements found. The potential for competitor materials, such as metal matrix composites, are also briefly discussed.