Proposal

AERODYNAMIC COOLING OF DISK BRAKES

Need:
Sufficient heat dissipation is crucial to the effective operation of friction based braking
systems.
Goal:
Cooling is generally provided by ensuring a sufficient supply of cooling air to the heated
components, hence the aerodynamics in the region of the brake components is extremely
important.

Objectives/Constraints:
The objective of the project is to develop an understanding of how aerodynamics can be
used to improve the cooling of automotive disc brakes.

Attributes/Characteristics:
Improvements in brake thermal performance could be achieved by maximizing the airflow
into the region of the brake components; including increasing the open area of the wheel, and
increasing the vehicle velocity.

Functions:
Aerodynamics has long been used to optimize the airflow around and through vehicles,
from reducing aerodynamic drag, to engine cooling and noise reduction.

Specifications
Must meet EPA and safety standards for health and environment.

Performance specifications
Air is forced through and around the vehicle. The aerodynamic interaction between this air
and the moving vehicle has a large influence on vehicle performance, safety, comfort, stability,
visibility and cooling.

Design specifications
Significant savings in fuel consumption and emissions can be obtained from minimizing
aerodynamic drag. Drag reduction is one of the primary focuses of ground vehicle aerodynamics.
Customer requirements
Low cost and highly efficient.

Engineering requirements
The best engine cooling is provided with large openings at the front of the vehicle, however
these openings tend to increase aerodynamic drag. Furthermore vehicles are not specifically
designed around aerodynamic considerations; function, safety, economy, aesthetics, etc. are
generally the objectives of the design.

Design parameters
Brakes must not require any modification of factory components. Important design
parameters are:
Savings in fuel consumption and emissions.
Cooling function
Economy
Aesthetics

Performance parameters
Cooling
Power and mechanical efficiency
Fuel air ratio
Volumetric efficiency
Safety
Comfort
Stability
Visibility
Specific output
Specific fuel consumption
Thermal efficiency and Heat balance
Effective pressure and Torque.