With regard to airborne particles with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 μm (PM10), in countries in the European Union, the mass of brake emissions equals approximately 8–27% of the total traffic-related emissions. Using a research methodology combining tests at different scale levels with contact mechanics simulations and PM10 chemical characterization, the REBRAKE EU-financed project had the following aims: i) to demonstrate...

The emission of airborne particulate matter from a train brake depends on the formulation of its friction material. This study investigates the emission and properties of wear particles from train brake friction materials based on straight or resorcinol-modified novolac phenolic resin and nitrile or styrene butadiene rubber used as binding ingredients. The wear particles are generated by a pin-on-disc tribomachine inside an aerodynamic...

Friction-induced oscillations result in deterioration of performance of disc brakes and are generally undesired. We conduct experimental study of friction-induced oscillations in a non-asbestos organic material / steel pair used in disc brakes of motor vehicles. The tests are done by use of a pin-on-disc machine which has the pin sample supported on a deformable beam. The adjustable friction parameters are the disc velocity, contact...

Magnetorheological (MR) fluids are complex suspensions of magnetic particles in a non-magnetic carrier fluid. They exhibit ‘smart’ properties that enable them to change their rheological parameters in response to a change in the external magnetic field applied. This behavior is used in some engineering solutions, e.g. MR clutches or brakes. For such systems to work correctly, the resistance torque achieved by contact with the...