Finite Element Analysis of Heat Partition in a Pad/Disc Brake System

Abstract

The heat partition ratio is an important input parameter in simulation carried out by the finite element method (FEM) of the transient temperature fields in such elements as brakes, a pad, and a disc. Therefore, the aim of this article is to study the influence of nine various (experimental and theoretical) formulas for heat partition ratio on temperature in a pad/disc tribosystem. The real dimensions, operating conditions, and thermophysical properties of materials of two different disc brake systems were adopted for the finite element analysis. The evolutions of the temperature on the contact surface of the pad, obtained for different heat partition ratios, are compared with corresponding experimental data. The results revealed a significant influence of heat partition ratio on the evolution of pad maximal temperature, whereas the disc contact temperature was reasonably stable and coincided with most cases under consideration.