A thermomechanical model for the analysis of disc brake using the finite element method in frictional contact

Abstract

In this work, numerical simulations of the transient thermal and the static structural analysis were performed sequentially with the coupled thermostructural method. The numerical procedure of calculation relies on important steps such that the CFD thermal analysis is well illustrated in 3D, showing the effects of heat distribution over the brake disc. Three different brake disc materials were selected in this simulation, and a comparative analysis of the results was conducted in order to derive the one with the best thermal behavior. Finally, the resolution of the coupled thermomechanical model allows us to visualize other important results of this research such as the deformations, the equivalent Von Mises stress of the disc, and the contact pressure of the brake pads. Following our analysis and the results we draw from it, we derive several conclusions. The choice allowed us to deliver the best suitable brake rotor to ensure and guarantee the good braking performance of vehicles.