What is the Principle of Disc Brakes?
2 Answers
Disc brakes work on the principle that when braking, hydraulic oil is pumped into the inner and outer wheel cylinders, and the pistons, under hydraulic pressure, press the two brake pads against the brake disc, generating friction torque to achieve braking. Disc brakes can be hydraulic, controlled by hydraulic pressure, with main components including the brake disc, wheel cylinder, brake caliper, and oil pipes. Disc brakes offer advantages such as rapid heat dissipation, light weight, simple construction, and easy adjustment. The function of brakes is to reduce speed or bring the vehicle to a stop. Their working principle involves converting the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle into heat energy through friction between the brake pads and the brake drum, as well as between the tires and the ground, thereby slowing down or stopping the vehicle.
The principle of disc brakes is quite straightforward. When you press the brake pedal, the force is transmitted through the hydraulic system to the caliper, where the brake pads inside the caliper clamp onto the disc-shaped rotor, generating significant friction. This friction converts the rotational kinetic energy of the wheel into heat, which is dissipated, causing the car to slow down or stop. I often encounter long downhill sections on mountain roads when driving. Thanks to the ventilated design of disc brakes, they dissipate heat quickly and are less prone to failure, making them more reliable than older drum brakes. The principle is actually based on simple physics, with the key being materials like cast iron rotors that can withstand high temperatures, ensuring stable and safe braking. In daily driving, they feel responsive and reassuring.
