BRAKE SYSTEM

BRAKE - PRINCIPLE

Brakes are one of the most important control components of vehicle. They are required to stop the vehicle with in the smallest possible distance and this is done by converting the kinetic energy of the vehicle in to the heat energy which is dissipated in to the atmosphere.

BRAKING REQUIREMENTS
The

brakes must be strong enough to stop the vehicle with in a minimum distance in an emergency. But this should also be consistent with safety.i.e vehicle must not skid. The brakes must have good antifade characteristics , i.e, their effectiveness should not decrease with constant prolonged application.

BRAKE EFFICIENCY

The maximum retarding force applied by the brakes at the wheels, F, depends upon the coefficient of friction between the road and the tyre surface , and the component of the weight of the vehicle on the wheel, W . F=W If unity coefficient of friction is achieved, the total retarding force produced at the wheels is equal to the vehicle weight itself, which is equal to the gravitational force experienced by freely falling body of mass equal to that of vehicle. If vehicle experiences a deceleration equal to the acceleration due to gravity, and the brakes are said to be 100 percent efficient.

Requirements like safety of passengers in public vehicles and safety of the body in case of heavy goods vehicles, reduce the brake efficiencies to be used. High efficient brakes giving large deceleration might injure the passengers due to sudden stopping of the vehicle. In case of goods vehicles, an extra efficient brake system would cause the load to slide forward when the brakes are applied, tending to brake the drivers cabin.

Moreover with very highly efficient brakes rapid wear of tyres and brake linings takes place and there is always a risk of losing vehicle control when brakes are applied. The brake efficiencies in general use vary from 50% to 80% ., which enable the vehicle to stop with in reasonable distance.

THE TOTAL STOPPING DISTANCE

1)

2)

3)

Distance traversed during the reaction time of driver Distance traversed during the time elapsed between the driver pressing the brake pedal and the brake being actually applied at the wheels. Net stopping distance, depending upon the deceleration

Deceleration depends on Vehicle speed Condition of tyre tread. Condition of the road surface. Coefficient of friction between the tyre tread and the road surface. The coefficient of friction between the brake drum and the brake lining.

WEIGHT TRANSFER

TYPES OF BRAKES
primary(service) and secondary(parking) Location transmission and wheel brakes Construction Disc brakes and drum brakes Method of actuation Mechanical brakes, Hydraulic brakes, Electric brakes, Vaccum brakes, air brakes Extra braking effort- servo or power assisted brakes
Purpose

DRUM BRAKES
A brake drum is attached concentric to the axle hub where as on the axle casing is mounted a back plate. In case of front axle, the back plate is bolted to the steering knuckle. The back plate is made of pressed steel sheet and is ribbed to increase rigidity and to provide support for the expander, anchor and brakes shoes. It also protects the drum and shoe assembly from mud and dust. It absorbs the complete torque reaction of the shoes due to which it is called torque plate.

DISC BRAKES