Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the thermal behavior of a ventilated brake disc – a type commonly used in passenger vehicles due to its relatively effective heat dissipation to the environment. Although automotive braking systems have continuously improved and evolved over the past decades, the fundamental operating principle of braking remains unchanged. For this reason, researchers have always had a desire to find possible solutions to enhance braking efficiency. A moving vehicle is equipped with the braking system to control speed and come to a stop. The heat generated during braking is the result of repeated braking actions, where the vehicle's kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy. Brake components can become overheated, potentially leading to brake fade, which poses serious risks to both passengers and cargo. The heat generated during braking is mostly conducted into the disc and retained there, with most of this heat being released into the environment through forced convection. The main goal of this research is to analyze the thermal characteristics of a brake disc in dry contact with the brake pad during braking. The design and thermal analysis of the brake disc were carried out using ANSYS 2022 R1 software. This study also compares the temperature distribution in two different brake disc materials: FG15 and stainless steel.