Temperatures, stresses and distortions in brake discs

This thesis records an investigation into the temperature distributions in brake discs resulting from different types of braking duties, and the stresses and deformations arising due to these temperature gradients. In particular, the 'bell' region of the brake disc, i.e. the heat-conducting path between the rubbing path and the mounting flange, is subjected to close analysis by both theoretical and experimental means. A knowledge of the temperature distributions in the bell is important, for two main reasons: to ensure that long periods of braking do not cause excessive temperatures at the mounting, and to enable thermal stresses and distortions to be evaluated. In this thesis e numerical method of solution based upon an idealisation of the disc is developed, and dynamometer tests ere described simulating vehicle braking for measurement of temperatures by means of thermocouples. The theoretical and experimental temperatures correlate well. [Continues.]