Analysis of the Behaviour of an Optimized ...

This paper presents the optimization process of MR – magnetorheological brake in order to define its configuration, and to reach the requested vehicle braking torque. FEM analysis previously carried out, concerning structural sizing of such a brake, showed that both braking torque and brake mass did not satisfy the requirements. Due to the necessity of limitation on the suspended mass of a motor vehicle, the optimization of the form of MR brake stator has been executed, including determination of its contribution to the total mass of the brake. Thus a percentage reduction of approximately 40% was obtained. In order to estimate the brake temperature which results from the transformation into heat of a vehicle kinetic energy during brake application, a thermal Finite Element Analysis is carried out. In particular a fade braking test composed of snub braking, i.e. repeated cycles of acceleration and consecutive braking applications is performed.In order to estimate the brake temperature which results from the transformation into heat of a vehicle kinetic energy during brake application, a thermal Finite Element Analysis is carried out. In particular a fade braking test, composed of snub braking, i.e. repeated cycles of acceleration and consecutive braking applications is performed.