Thermo-structural analysis of brake disc-pad assembly of an automotive braking system

Braking is a phenomenon of stabilizing a moving vehicle to rest by actuating the braking system. The available kinetic energy from the dynamic body is transformed into mechanical energy by the braking system which is further converted into thermal energy for its dissipation into the surroundings. During the process of braking, the frictional contact between the brake disc and brake pad creates enormous amount of heat elevating the temperature of the system to a higher level. The objective of this numerical study is to minimize the heat produced during the braking process. Three unique ventilated brake disc and two brake pad profiles were developed using PTC Creo modelling tool and were subjected to ANSYS workbench to evaluate its thermal and structural performance with a braking cycle time of 4.50 sec. Total deformation, equivalent stress, temperature distribution and total heal flux were assessed. Based on the study, ventilated disc 3 can be the possible design with either of the brake pad profiles for effective usage in the automotive braking system. © 2021. MechAero Foundation for Technical Research & Education Excellence.