The Characterization of Brake Pad Materials Development for Light Rail Transit

摘要

Friction process is needed in light rail transit braking system to decelerate the vehicle for stopping purpose. This is achieved by transforming kinetic energy of the vehicle to heat, via friction and dissipating that heat to the surroundings. The momentum absorbed by the brake pad during braking will increase the surface temperature. The increase of surface temperature will reduce the surface hardness of the brake pad. In this study the newly developed brake pad materials with different formulation were characterized to determine their properties such as thermal, chemical, mechanical and microstructures. The final best formulation was selected based on these different characterization procedures. The results are discussed in the light of characterization and properties developed.