Friction Material Temperature Distribution and Thermal and Mechanical Contact Stress Analysis

Abstract

In brake systems, where the components are exposed to mechanical and thermal loads, the numerical analysis is very helpful. The main function of the brake system is to control or reduce vehicle’s speed by transformation of kinetic and potential energy in thermal energy. Using finite element method and Abaqus application, the present work proposed a model to study the impact of these loads on the performance of a pneumatic S cam drum brake’s friction material. The model included the effects of the rivet process; brake torque and warming in one of the 17 t bus front brake lining. Areas where the stresses vary with considerable amplitudes during temperature increase and brake application were identified. Also, it was possible to compare results of the numerical model to vehicle’s experimental measurements and understand its proximity to real braking events. By the application of the methodology and using the numerical model, proposed in this work, it will be possible to contribute considerably for a more accurate design of the friction material, besides undertake a better selection of the sub-compounds which it is made of.