Cooling of a caliper disc brake by forced convection from a ventilated fan wheel

Abstract

The investigation was involved with the reduction of the lining temperatures of a caliper disc brake by conversion of the standard mass produced wheel into a ventilated fan unit. The prerequisite was a newly designed vehicle wheel, fabricated in the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Lining temperature comparison tests of the standard and newly designed Ventilated Fan Wheel were made, giving due consideration to various wheel speeds and particular conditions.

The wheels were mounted simulating as nearly as possible the conditions one may find on an actual vehicle. Test speeds over a random spectrum in 10 MPH increments were selected. The cooling or heating rate data was acquired by using a General Electric cradle dynamometer. A manually operated hydraulic device was used to apply the normal braking force to the rotating brake disc. The energy absorption converted into heat and established a temperature gradient in the brake friction pads. The temperature of the pads was recorded with respect to time.

The results were conclusive; the newly designed Ventilated Fan Wheel showed substantial reduction in the operating temperatures of the brake friction pads.