Comparison between Casting and Alloy Rim Pattern on Brake Disk Cooling Using Numerical Simulation

Efficient function of brake system is considered a crucial stage in the vehicle development process. Heat exchange reduction can decrease the operational condition of braking system. Although the rims patterns have a significant role on vehicle aerodynamics, they can also have effect on air flow around the brake disk. So, selecting a rim is vital from both a safety and an aerodynamic point of view. In this paper the effect of air flow around a brake disk for two different types of rims was studied; a steel casting and an aluminum alloy rim. Numerical simulation was used for this analysis. First, the flow field around brake disk with iron casting rim was investigated at different velocities. Second, the flow field around the same brake disk system with an aluminum alloy rim was modeled at the same velocities. Finally, the effect of rim design on flow pattern over brake disk was compared. It was found that changing rim design has significant influence on velocity distribution around brake disc and pads.