Design synthesis of non-symmetrically loaded high-performance disc brakes Part 1

Abstract

Wheel-mounted disc brakes are exposed to severe non-symmetrical mechanical and thermal loads. The paper describes the design process for two high-performance, hub-mounted discs of different size and duty. The development has resulted in two very successful but fundamentally different hub designs and manufacturing methods. Initially, finite element analyses used in the design optimization were mainly concentrated on bulk thermal effects. Recently, in order further to improve the design process, analyses have included macro thermal effects, providing valuable results, particularly related to the prediction of disc permanent coning, one of the most critical design requirements.