The Application of Predictive Techniques to Study Thermo-elastic Instability of Brakes

The paper covers the development, validation and use of a technique to predict hot spot formation. The technique involves the use of a specially developed finite element able to deal with heat generation and wear. It is applicable to real braking geometries and duty cycles and an example of its use will be presented.

Following the description of the technique its use to carry out a sensitivity study into the effect of pad and disc parameters upon hot spot formation is described. The parameters include pad and wear properties and the duty cycle.