Thermal Load of Multidisc Wet Friction Assemblies at Braking Regime

The paper presents the results of thermal load investigations of multidisc friction assemblies used as service brakes of a high speed tracked vehicle. By simulating the corresponding braking regimes and measuring the characteristic quantities on an inertial test stand, the relevant parameters of the braking process have been determined. The obtained results have been analyzed and compared to the permitted values of thermal load of the material of the tested friction discs. After a certain number of braking cycles by visual inspection of the brakes the state of the friction elements have been determined. The speed limits for braking the vehicle at higher transmission gear ratios, which may result in a permanent damage of the brakes, have been determined. (C) 2011 Journal of Mechanical Engineering. All rights reserved