Experimental evaluation of an empirical model for wedge disc brake using box-behnken design

This article is a case study of Box-Behnken design application for development and evaluation a new empirical model to predict the performance of wedge disc brake. Box-Behnken design is used to study the applied pressure, rotational speed, wedge inclination angle and quantity of water spraying. A total of 27 experimental tests are conducted using brake dynamometer to estimate the main and interaction effect of these parameters. The results of analysis of variance for the braking forces from the input parameters are obtained to evaluate the goodness of the developed empirical model through F- and P-values. It is found that a strong correlation between the empirical regression model and the actual results. Moreover, in order to confirm the validity of the empirical model, additional 16 experimental tests are carried out using Taguchi method. The results showed a good agreement between the predicted empirical model and experimental results. This indicates that the developed empirical model based on operating parameters can be used successfully to predict the wedge disc brake performance. © 2014. MechAero Foundation for Technical Research & Education Excellence.