Development of High Thermal Conductivity Cast Iron for Brake Disk Rotors

A new brake disc rotor material has been developed that provides excellent resistance to heat cracks.

Hair cracks have been found to develop in the surface of brake disc rotors as a result of repeated braking from high speed.

The results of a finite element analysis revealed that these cracks are generated in the early stage of braking because of temperature differences between the surface and interior of the brake disc rotor.

The newly developed cast iron has a high carbon and a low silicon content, which works to improve its thermal conductivity, and molybdenum has been added to prevent any decline in strength.

The results of high speed braking tests show that the new material provides superior resistance to heat cracks.