The increasing provision of regenerative braking on road vehicles will enable the friction brakes to be downsized, with an associated weight and cost saving, but their performance (torque generated, fade resistance, durability, pedal feel and resistance to the development of judder) must meet established user standards. This research will develop and use computer modelling procedures (Finite Element Analysis, Computational Fluid Mechanics) to simulate and analyse the thermal, heat transfer and cooling effects of road vehicle disc brake rotors to predict hot spots, judder propensity and thermal fatigue life, and perform geometric optimisation to meet manufacturers’ and customers’ expectations. It is expected that the results of the research will be used by the automotive industry to promote more efficient designs supporting greater energy efficiency and reduced emissions in road transport.
Experimental investigations will be performed using advanced experimental facilities within the Braking Research Centre at the university and will explore and examine the many theories and mechanisms in order to achieve experimental verification and validation using a purpose built laboratory dynamometer. The research will be supported by staff with extensive background within the braking and wider automotive industry.
Applications are invited from candidates with a background in mechanical and/or automotive engineering.
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