Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 20, 2025

Parametric Optimization Design Method for Friction Plates of Hydro-Viscous Clutches
Published on: July 22, 2025
Influence of Contact Plateaus Characteristics Formed on the Surface of Brake Friction Materials in Braking
Rafael Lucas Machado Pinto1,2, Juan Carlos Horta Gutiérrez1, Robson Bruno Dutra Pereira3
1Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil.
Abstract:
This work applies a procedure for analysis and characterization of the surface of brake friction materials, correlating them with the tribological and thermal properties achieved in different vehicle braking conditions. Experiments were performed in a vehicle under two real conditions of braking operation, simulated flat track descent and emergency braking. Characteristics of the plates formed on the surfaces of the friction materials were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and correlated with the performance during braking, as measured by the coefficient of friction at the interface of the friction pair and temperature. As a result, the formation of the primary and secondary plateaus in these two different braking operating conditions was observed, and the relationship between the characteristics of the plateaus formed on the surface and the surface roughness parameters and performance measurements during braking.
Related Concept Videos
Characteristics of Dry Friction
Before the wheelbarrow starts moving, the static frictional force acts tangentially to the contact surface, opposing the force that is about to induce the motion. This frictional force prevents the...
Dry Friction
To illustrate this concept, imagine a wooden crate resting on a rough, non-uniform horizontal surface. When an external force is applied to...
Rolling Resistance
For instance, imagine a hard cylinder rolling on a comparatively soft surface. The cylinder's weight compresses the surface beneath it. As the cylinder moves, the material in front of it slows down...
Kinetic Friction
Frictional Force
Friction: Problem Solving
Initially, a visual representation of the...

