Brake Test Dynamometer Programme for Europe and the U.S.A.

A single headed inertia dynamometer is used to simulate the behaviour of a brake on a vehicle in service. Both American and European styles of driving are both adequately represented and the accuracy of the resultant test is such that standard deviation in coefficient of friction is 0.003 and of thickness lost due to wear is 0,0002 inches. Examples of the validity of this test procedure are quoted including the characterisation of cast iron rotors, the effects of surface finish and the direction of machining of rotors, measurements of squeal, judder, and of slight misalignment of the brake, The Los Angeles road test is used as a specific example of American practice.