Performance of a Redesigned MMC Automotive Brake Drum

An optimisation analysis on an aluminium matrix composites brake drum was carried out in order to obtain a greatly lighter component with equal or better performances than the traditional one.

For this reason, a FEM numerical model, fitted on the basis of experimental data, was developed to optimise the design of a brake component in order to meet the required targets; moreover, dynamometer testing allowed to point out the guidelines for the design optimisation.

The redesigned MMC drum showed good results, allowing a component weight saving up to 50%.