Advancements in the Braking System - Essay Example

The paper will assess the service condition and the material property requirement that ensure the effectiveness and durability of the brake disc.

Scholars agree that the brake disc was first adopted in the UK in the mid-1880s. The braking system is a crucial element of modern-day automobiles (Kuroki, et al., 2000, p.34). Apart from automobiles, the brake system also plays a critical role in bicycles, carts, motorcycles, and other motor-propelled machines in the transport sector. It is argued that the operation of the brake system involves a lot of friction between the brake disc and the wheel. In scientific terms, it is the change of kinetic energy into heat energy. During this process, the car rotor rotates in a clockwise direction, as the driver steps on the brake pedal the disc is pushed toward the rotor. The resultant friction causes the vehicle to stop (Brancolini, 2003, p. 441).
The brake system comprises three key parts the iron disc, the brake pads, and the hydraulic pistons. The metal disc is fixed on the wheel on which friction is applied by the brake pad. The hydraulic pistons control the movement of the brake pads. The entire braking process is initiated by the brake pedal. As the driver steps on the brake pedal, the hydraulic fluid moves from the master cylinder to the slave cylinder. As a result, it pushes the slave pistons; the slave piston pushes the brake pad on the metal disc. The resultant friction stops the vehicle. The hydraulic system reduces work easier since the pressure exacted on the lever is distributed to all wheels (Miller, 2002, p.43).

Service Condition of a Brake Disc
Friction is a primary cause of wear and tear of the brake disc. Therefore, several conditions should be met to enhance its durability. During the braking process, kinetic energy is converted into heat energy. As a result, the temperature of the brake disc increases significantly. The high temperature has a major effect on the brake disc material resulting in wear and tear of the brake disc. According to research, the temperature generated on the brake disc is estimated to range from 300 to 800 degrees Celsius. Such high temperature causes the brake disc to crack hence rendering it useless (Brancolini, 2003, p.346). For this reason, engineers have developed durable materials for brake discs that can withstand such high temperatures.

Properties requirement of a brake disc material
There are several properties of the durable material of a brake disc. The analogous friction coefficient is a fundamental feature of a long-lasting brake disc. A brake disc with a homogeneous friction coefficient does not crack easily (Miller, 2002, p.45)
The second major property is the density of the material. Material with low density enhances the durability of a brake disc. In addition, most car manufacturers prefer low-density material since it lowers the weight of the vehicle and increases its speed.