Prediction of Performance of Metal Matrix Composite Brake Rotors Using a Semi-Empirical Model

A semi-empirical model predicting the final rotor surface temperature under thermal steady state as a function material properties (thermal conductivity, specific heat, density), rotor thickness and test parameters (inertial load, cooling air speed) was constructed. The key observation that led to the construction of this model was that the initial rotor surface temperature during a stop varied linearly with the net temperature rise of the rotor surface during that stop of a fade sequence.

The final rotor temperature under thermal steady state, T_fss (also referred to as maximum steady state temperature or MSST), is given by:

Excellent agreement between the predicted and observed values T_fss of was found. This model was used to predict performance changes as a result of material modifications and can serve as an excellent tool for rotor material optimization.