Introduction
Disc brakes used in modern cars are more efficient and reliable than drum brakes, which were popular in earlier car designs. Due to their design, disc brakes are less susceptible to thermal fade than drum brakes.
Disc Brakes: Structure and Mechanism of Work
Disc brakes consist of a brake disc mounted on the wheel axle and brake pads that press against the disc to reduce the wheel’s speed. On the other hand, drum brakes consist of a brake drum attached to the wheel axle and brake shoes pressed against the drum’s inner surface to slow down the wheel. As the wheel rotates, the brake disc rotates, and the brake pads are pressed against the disc to slow the rotation (Tong, 2022). The heat generated during this braking process is dissipated from the disc to the surrounding environment thanks to the disc’s large surface area. This allows for quick and efficient brake disc cooling and helps prevent thermal fade.
The brake drum is enclosed in drum brakes, and the brake shoes are pressed against its inner surface. This creates a smaller surface area for cooling, which makes drum brakes more susceptible to thermal fade. Brake drums are typically smaller than brake discs, which limits their cooling efficiency. Another factor that makes disc brakes less prone to thermal fade is their better ventilation (Tong, 2022). Many disc brakes have ventilation holes that increase airflow and accelerate the cooling of the brake discs.
Overall, the design of disc brakes makes them more efficient and reliable than earlier drum brakes. They provide better braking power and a more reliable and smoother braking experience. Despite their drawbacks, drum brakes are still used in some vehicles where weight and size do not allow disc brakes. Additionally, drum brakes are used in the rear wheels of many cars, where less braking power is required, and drum brakes are sufficiently effective.
Conclusion
In conclusion, disc brakes are more efficient and reliable than earlier drum brake designs, thanks to their design, better ventilation, and larger cooling surface. However, drum brakes remain essential to automotive brake systems, especially in the rear wheels and specific car models.
Reference
Tong, W. (2022). Mechanical design and manufacturing of electric motors. CRC Press.