New Developments in Drum Brake Analysis

This paper outlines the extension of the “GAPFRIC” concept to model in three dimensions the frictional interface between brake linings and drum of an S-cam operated pivoted abutment type of leading and trailing shoe brake assembly. The approach incorporates an accurate representation of the brake itself to include such features as drum stiffness and its mounting face. The brake shoe representations include the actual web and platform thus eliminating the need for shoe stiffness approximations to a curved beam of uniform section as used in previous 2D work.

Analyses have been completed to investigate how the combined axial and circumferential distortions, within a brake, influence the temperature and interfacial pressure distributions and consequent brake performance. Consideration is given to the significance of shoe and drum stiffness and the effects of different lining moduli are illustrated.