Engineering Brake System

343 Words2 Pages
MATERIALS, MICROSTRUCTURES & PROPERTIES: MOTORCYCLE DISC BRAKE Introduction This report will examine the materials, microstructures and properties of a modern motorcycle disc brake. The aim of this report is to explain the implications of materials and components of a motorcycle as well as the relationship between the properties, uses and application of these materials in a motorcycle disc brake. The brief description of item will outline and identify the components of a motorcycle disc brake. The information section presents the material, microstructure, method of manufacture and properties of these components in a table. The bibliography section lists the resources consulted and the appendix contains photographs and other useful graphics. Brief Description of Item The disc brake is a braking system, usually made of cast iron or steel but in some cases can be made out of composites like reinforced carbon-carbon or ceramic matrix composites. It is connected to the wheel and sandwiched between brake pads. Brake pads are steel backing plates with friction material bound to the surface that causes the vehicle to stop when the callipers are pushed against them. Callipers are connected to the back of the brake pads. These callipers are pushed by 4 or 6 pistons causing the brake pads to clamp down on the disc creating friction, generating more heat, meaning more kinetic energy transfer and in turn causing the vehicle to slow down. (See figure 1.1 in appendix). The front brakes provide most of the required deceleration, so three is usually twin brakes on the front wheel and the rear brakes serves more as a balance for the motorcycle. There is only one brake on the rear wheel because if too much braking force is applied to the rear brake, the rear wheel is prone to lock up. Brakes convert motion to heat and after some time these brakes become less

More about Engineering Brake System

Open Document