The Comparative Analysis of Thermal Stress Variation in Disc Brake

Abstract

An automotive brake disc or rotor is a device for slowing or stopping the motion of a wheel while it runs at a certain speed. The widely used brake rotor material is cast iron which consumes much fuel due to its high specific gravity. The aim of this paper is to develop the material selection method and select the optimum material for the application of brake disc system emphasizing on the substitution of this cast iron by any other lightweight material. Two methods are used for this thesis work i.e Analytical and FE Analysis. Material performance requirements were analyzed and alternative solutions were evaluated among cast iron, maraging steel, aluminium metal matrix composites and and E-Glass. Mechanical properties including compressive strength, friction coefficient, wear resistance, thermal conductivity and specific gravity, were used as the key parameters in the material selection stages. The analysis led to Aluminium metal matrix composite as the most appropriate material for brake disc system.