Entwicklungstrends in der Scheibenbremstechnologie für Schienenfahrzeuge

Developing trends in disc brake technology for rail application The substitution of conventional ferrous materials by light-alloy solutions gives the opportunity for significant reduction of the rotating masses in the bogie and by that a decrease of energy consumption. The potential of conventional Al-cast-alloys is not suitable to solve this. Castable MMC-materials are a high-promising alternative. Under economic pressure MMC-solutions need not to be only superior but also cost effective. And due to the low ductility of those particulate reinforced materials there is a need for new concepts. Locally optimised disks consist of a ductile carrier [body] with wear resistant rubbing surfaces. This led to several prototype disk brakes manufactured by different casting processes. This paper gives an overview about the state-of the-art and newly developed manufacturing routes and materials, metallic and non- metallic, for rail disk brake application.