Every vehicle owner should know about disk brake. In this article we will learn about what is disk brake, its function, how it works and advantages of disk brake.
Disc brakes are the new and most effective braking system due to their easy operation, high thermal decoupling and quick operation. Disc brakes are often used in the front wheels.
Table of Contents
What is Disc Brake?
A disc brake is a type of brake that uses a caliper to press a pair of pads against a disc or “rotor” to create friction. This action slows the rotation of the shaft like vehicle axle for slowing down or keeping stationary. Kinetic energy is converted into waste heat that must be dissipated.
Although hydraulically actuated disc brakes are the most commonly used automotive brakes, the principles of disc brakes can be applied to almost any rotary axis. Components include the disc, master cylinder, and calipers on either side of the disc.
Parts of Disk Brake
1. Disc:
This brake consists of a disc. The disc is the friction surface that is attached to the wheel and rotates with it. When the frictional force acts on the disc, it slows down the wheel and slows down the vehicle.
The discs are generally made of ceramic or carbon fiber for wear resistance and are also lightweight. There are two types of commercially available brake discs: fixed and vented.
2. Brake Calipers:
Consists of pistons, brake pads, operating mechanism, etc. He is connected in two parts to fixed parts of the vehicle such as axle housings and steering knuckles. Each part is arranged as one side of the disc.
3. Piston:
Piston for braking when required. This piston is hydraulically actuated by a mechanism. It is usually made of aluminum or chrome-plated iron.
4. Brake Pad:
Friction pad material to be installed in front of the piston. When you apply the brakes, friction is created between the discs and the brake pads, slowing or stopping the vehicle.
Working Principal of Disc Brake
A disc brake comprises of a cast iron disc bolted to the wheel hub and a fixed housing called a caliper. The caliper contains a single piston. Some high performance brakes have up to 8 pistons. Between each piston and disc are friction linings that are held in place. This piston is liquid powered.
When the brakes are applied, hydraulically actuated pistons move friction pads in contact with the discs, applying the same and opposite braking force. This slows down the disc, which in turn slows down the wheel.When the brake is released, a spring mechanism pulls the piston and friction pads away from the disc.
What is Caliper in Disk Brake?
A caliper is an assembly that houses the brake pads and pistons. Pistons are typically made of plastic, aluminum, or chrome-plated steel.
Calipers come in two varieties: floating and fixed. A fixed caliper does not move relative to the disc, making it less tolerant of disc failure. This is more complex and expensive than a floating caliper as it uses one or more pairs of opposing pistons to clamp from both sides of the disc.
Advantages
- High thermal decapitation quality.
- lighter.
- ensures uniform pressure distribution.
- Even wear of friction linings.
- Easy maintenance.
- Self-Adjusting Brake
- High anti-fading quality.
- Simple design
Drawbacks
- Higher cost compared to drum brakes.
- Requires higher pedal pressure than.