Brake Thermal Performance

Brakes are one of the most important safety features on an automobile for slowing down and stopping. Thermal testing and analysis of a braking system allows engineers to look for problems caused by excessive heating of areas on a brake pad.

Types

Vehicle brakes are generally split between two types, which are drum and disc braking systems. One method for completing a thermal analysis of brakes is to simulate a downhill movement of a vehicle at a constant speed.

Heating

The thermal performance of a braking system can be affected by the heating of small areas on the brake pad. The effects of irregular heating of a brake pad can be felt until all the brake components are heated to the same level or the brake is released.

Effects

A braking system performing at the correct thermal level will allow a smooth slowing and stop of a vehicle. Irregular thermal heating of a brake can result in an irregular use of energy causing roughness of the brake pads and an uneven slowing of the vehicle.