Development of a numerical method to predict the alpine test result

The alpine test, which is carried out by observing the temperature change on the brake parts of a vehicle during a high-mountain (the Gross Glockner Mountain) descent, is attracting much attention in Europe as it is conducted in extreme conditions. Consequently, many vehicle manufacturers targeting globalization are making an effort to comply with the standards of the alpine test. The test focuses on the determination of the maximum temperature of the disc and brake fluid. While rolling down a high mountain, the brake system experiences a rapid temperature change due to repetitive or continuous braking. This may in turn lead to symptoms such as fade, thermal judder, thermal crack, and vapour lock. The temperature rise is the result of the transfer of the frictional heat between the disc and pad to the brake parts. This study proposes a numerical method for predicting the temperature change of the brake system by using frictional heat division and one-dimensional heat transfer. This method can predict the temperature change not only in the disc but also in the brake fluid. Using the presented method, the alpine test result is predicted and subsequently validated by comparison with the reported experimental data.