Brake lining/pad life can be predicted using the so called “Linear Wear Hypothesis - LWH”, which is based on two assumptions explained in details in this paper. The brake lining/pad life prediction method has been developed to be used against the brake dynamometer test results, in comparison to the previously determined brake loading under real service conditions(distribution of the work done by brakes and the corresponding disc/drum temperature levels in particular).
The basic concept of L W H is verified experimentally during the first phase of investigation. In this paper a review of comprehensive dynamometer test results is presented. A number of samples of four different friction material disc brake pads for a light car of 1,2t have been tested. The prediction method, based on the LWH, is used to determine the predicted pad life, and the calculation of the pad life is explained. However, the obtained results are related only to the tested brake.
Further development is planed based on new experiment, which are necessary for the generalization of this method.