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Simulation of the temperature distribution in a brake drum of a commercial truck is carried out using the finite element method. Verification of the predicted values is done using an inertia dynamometer with a data logging system. The effect of variable convective heat-transfer coefficient and the effect of contact area are also studied. From the investigation it is concluded that the present model can be used for the simulation of temperature distribution in rigid brake drums during a fade test.

Simulation of temperature distribution in a brake drum and determination of drum brake torque has been carried out using finite element methods. The simulated temperature distribution and the brake torque determined were compared with observations carried out using an inertia dynamometer with a data-logging system. There is good agreement between the predicted temperature distribution and the brake torque determined with the test results on the dynamometer.