Development of Disc-Brake Design Method Using Computer Simulation of Heat Phenomena

In order to develop a vehicle efficiently, the performance of individual parts must be accurately estimated in the design stages. However, conventional methods of design have relied upon empirical techniques, resulting in the prolongation of vehicular development. Therefore, with a view toward eliminating such delay in the course of vehicle development, a variety of design investigation techniques using computers were examined. A new technique has been created in the case of disc rotors by combining existing investigation methods with newly developed techniques. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a newly-developed design investigation system for the thermal characteristics of disc rotors which have hitherto been difficult to quantify. As the first step, the temperature phenomena of disc rotors were theoretically considered by analyzing experimental data, referring to many studies in this field. On the basis of these results, a computer simulation technique was developed which enables the transient temperature characteristics and thermal strength performance to be quantitatively estimated in actual running conditions. At present, part of this technique is in practical use as a disc-rotor design investigation system, yielding satisfactory results. In this study, the disc rotor for the model 300ZX vehicle was used.