Numerical Simulation of Thermoelastic Contact Problem of Braking Systems

This study aims to identify thermal effects in the structure and the contact behavior of a disk-pad assembly using a finite element approach. The first analysis is performed on the disk-pad model in the absence of thermal effects. The structural performance of the disk-pad model is predicted in terms of factors such as the deformation and Von Mises stress. Next, thermomechanical analysis is performed on the same disk-pad model with the inclusion of convection, adiabatic, and heat flux elements. The predicted temperature distribution, deformation, stress, and contact pressure are presented. The structural performance between the two analyses (mechanical and thermomechanical) is compared. This study can assist brake engineers in choosing a suitable analysis method to critically evaluate the structural and contact behavior of the disk brake assembly. © 2015, ASM International.