A reduced scale brake dynamometer is under development to accelerate a programme of research that aims to explore the potential of coated lightweight brake rotors for passenger car applications. This paper presents a theoretically sound scaling process designed to ensure that the small scale rig accurately simulates the thermal conditions experienced by a full size brake. In addition, a one dimensional heat transfer model has been developed that is capable of predicting the temperature distribution through the rotor in the axial direction. Rotating heat source and cooling effects are addressed for the first time in such a model in order to simulate real braking events. The model also permits assessment of coated brake rotor performance. Results from the 1D model serve to highlight the appropriateness of the reduced scale dynamometer as a tool with which to compare alternative lightweight materials to the conventional cast iron.

Bozic, Goran, Alnaqi, Abdulwahab*, Brooks, Peter, Barton, David - University of Leeds