The development of a high reliability brake disc is fundamental to automobility projects, considering its relevance as a safety component. In competitions such as Formula SAE, there is an increased emphasis on the need to reduce weight, which demands a detailed engineering analysis to minimize mass without compromising safety requirements.
This paper proposes a finite element based computational methodology, combining thermal and structural simulations, built upon data collected from bench tests and in-competition courses such as the Autocross (AC) and endurance. The results describe the thermostructural behavior of the brake disc in practical conditions, enabling the determination of the acting tensions during a competitive scenario, and consequently, calculate safety factors and fatigue life of the component.
The proposed methodology validates the brake disc resilience and durability, which allows for the study of more optimal geometries or more specific materials, reducing weight. Such concept can be applied not only in Formula SAE, but also in the industrial sector of development and validation of brake discs.