A thermomechanical model for the analysis of disc brake using the finite element method in frictional contact

Abstract

In this work, a numerical simulation of the transient thermal analysis and the static structural one was performed here sequentially, with the coupled thermo-structural method using the ANSYS software. Numerical procedure of calculation relies on important steps such that the CFD thermal analysis has been well illustrated in 3D, showing the effects of heat distribution over the brake disc. This CFD analysis helped in the calculation of the values of the thermal coefficients (h) that have been exploited in the 3D transient evolution of the brake disc temperatures. Three different brake disc materials were selected in this simulation and comparative analysis of the results was conducted in order, to derive the one with the best thermal behavior. Finally, the resolution of the coupled thermomechanical model allows to visualize other important results of this research such as; the deformations, and the equivalent stresses of Von Mises of the disc, as well as the contact pressure of the brake pads. Following our analysis and results we draw from it, we derive several conclusions. The choice makes it possible to deliver the best brake rotor so as to ensure and guarantee the good braking performance of the vehicles.