An Investigation on Non-linear Thermal Conductivity Behavior of Brake Pads

Abstract

Brake pads are an important part of the automotive safety. Nevertheless, brake pads manufacturer are facing with a problem related to the pad heat transfer properties, which subsequently affect the friction coefficient of the pads and hence the safety of the automobiles using such pads. This study therefore aimed at investigating the thermal conductivity behavior of 3 different brake pads, which were supported by Compact International (1994) Co., Ltd. Experiments were conducted at simulated brake conditions at temperatures between 50 and 400°C and at applied pressures of 1, 5 and 8 MPa. The non-linear thermal conductivity values of the pads were calculated from the temperature under steady state condition. The results showed that the pads composing of high-fiber content exhibited fluctuating thermal conductivity values. Lubricants presented in the pads could nevertheless helped improve the stability of the thermal conductivity at different temperatures at the same applied pressure. On the other hand, the pads with high
copper content exhibited narrower range of thermal conductivity at different applied pressures at the same temperature. The conductivity value was noted to be in inverse proportion with the coefficient of kinetic friction.