OVERHEATING OF DRUM BRAKES IN DOWNHILLS

Braking system failure due to overheating is a problem that affects commercial vehicles in severe braking conditions. Repeatedly brake activations in downhills executed to maintain the vehicle in a safe velocity range can cause brakes overheating. It can hinder the brake efficiency and, consequently, provoke accidents. This paper presents a model to simulate the brake heating of a standard truck in some typical Brazilian's downhills. Different conditions of load, velocity and engine brake were carried out by simulations. The high brake temperatures obtained indicate the possibility of brake system failure in some cases. Specific vehicle trajectories are proposed for safer driving in such downhills.