Computer Modelling of Temperature Distribution in Brake Drums for Fade Assessment

Abstract

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.

Coupled field finite element analysis of railway block brakes

“…Barber and Tuten [8] have made analytical and experimental studies to determine the temperature at the interface between the liner and the drum by using the time-dependent heat input to simulate frictional heat generation. Ramachandra Rao et al [9,10] have developed a clock mechanism to apply heat at the interface for a two-dimensional finite element analysis of the drum. They have considered that about 95 per cent of heat energy generated at the interface is dissipated through the drum and remaining through the liner.…”

“…In the case of thermal analysis [9,10], the heat generation was calculated from the loss of kinetic energy, which represents the assumption of uniform contact pressure distribution, but in reality it is not uniform. Hence, the present study is intended at the calculation of heat generation from non-uniform contact pressure.…”