Machine Testing for Brake Lining Classification

Methods of testing brake linings by sample machine have been evolved to a standard of consistency which enables the performance of a brake to be evaluated by consideration of the geometry of the system and the coefficient of friction of the lining. This situation does, however, only hold if the way in which the lining is tested bears a close relationship to the duty cycle employed on an actual brake.

In this paper the correlation between brake performance and estimates based on scale testing shows that a classification can be employed to simplify the choice of replacement linings when a single material is employed. Duo servo brakes are least amenable to this technique because of their high sensitivity.