Finite element analysis of temperature distribution in axisymmetric model of disc brake

A transient thermal analysis is developed to examine temperature expansion in the disc and pad volume under simulated operation conditions of single braking process. This complex problem of frictional heating has been studied using finite element method (FEM). The Galerkin algorithm was used to discretize the parabolic heat transfer equation for the disc and pad. FE model of disc/pad system heating with respect to constant thermo-physical properties of materials and coefficient of friction was performed. The frictional heating phenomena with special reference to contact conditions was investigated. An axisymmetric model was used due to the proportional relation between the intensity of heat flux perpendicular to the contact surfaces and the rate of heat transfer. The time related temperature distributions in axial and radial directions are pre- sented. Evolution of the angular velocity and the contact pressure during braking was assumed to be nonlinear. Presented transient finite element analysis facilitates to determine temperature expansion in special conditions of thermal contact in axisymmetric model.