Abstract
KEYWORDS –finite element method, hot spotting, thermo-elastic instability, ventilated brake disc
ABSTRACT – Hot spots are high temperature thermal gradients and localisations that are circumferentially distributed on a disc surface which can occur during heavy duty braking. Vibrations and noise can be triggered by hot spotting as well as damage to the disc surface. The experimental investigations suggest that the trigger condition and distribution of hot spots are related to the disc geometry, especially for ventilated discs. To investigate the effects of geometry and structure of a ventilated disc on hot spotting, a 3D finite element model was established. A fast simulation method of hot spotting in 3D was implemented in the model to enable a parametric analysis to be performed more efficiently. The results were validated using experimental data from a laboratory dynamometer and show good correlations in terms of hot spot distribution and temperature evolution.