Difference between revisions of "Category:Brakes"

Brakes decelerate the vehicle by converting kinetic energy into heat. This is done by having the driver press on the brake pedal, where brake fluid pressure is created in the master cylinder. This pressure acts on the brake piston via brake lines, and a net force pushes the brake cylinder into the brake pad and consequently into the brake rotor. This forced interface slows the vehicle by friction between the pad and the rotor, resisting the motion of the rotor, and therefore the wheel, and consequently the vehicle body.

The brake system is comprised of several components. In the body of the vehicle, there must be a brake pedal, a balance bar, and master cylinder(s). In Formula Student, it is standard by rules to have a minimum of two master cylinders (check your competitions rules for more details) – one for the front axle and one for the rear axle. There is also usually a balance bar adjustment dial on the vehicle dash for the driver to adjust brake balance while in motion. The master cylinders transmit pressure via the brake hydraulic system. This is usually comprised of a combination of hard and soft brake lines, and fitments that allow the joining or splitting of brake lines. The brake lines must be routed though the vehicle and/or along suspension arms to connect with the brake calipers.

The front wheels must have a brake caliper mounted rigidly on the suspension upright, where the brake pads can apply their clamping force onto the rotor. The rotor will be mounted on some part of the rotating wheel assembly, usually the wheel hub, but it as been seen to be done that it could be mounted from the wheel rim.

At the rear, the set up will have more options and depend on the drivetrain design. If the team uses a spool (locked differential) then it is allowable to use one brake caliper and rotor assembly, mounted on the sprung body, as the braking force will be transmitted to both wheels. If there is a differential or some other set up (for example, in-hub motors) where the rear wheels could possibly move at different speeds, then two are required. The packaging of the drivetrain will usually dictate if the brakes should be mounted inboard (on the sprung chassis mass) or outboard (inside the wheel assembly, like the front wheels).

Brake rotors

lightening holes are ok - don't drill them yourselves, though

non-flat brake rotors have disadvantages, but overall worth it
differences between holes/slots

Brake calipers

please don't drill lightening holes in your brake calipers

Master cylinders

please don't drill lightening holes in your master cylinder

Brake balancing

More front brake = More rear cornering capacity, balance goes towards understeer under braking but could reduce braking times

More rear brake = More front cornering capacity, balance goes towards oversteer under braking but could increase braking times - try braking earlier first, rear brake will not fix a late braking problem from the driver