Brake disc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Brake disc - Essay Example The braking system is a crucial element of modern day automobiles (Kuroki, et al., 2000, p.34). Apart from automobiles, the brake system also plays a critical role in bicycles, carts, motorcycles and other motor-propelled machines in the transport sector. It is argued that the operation of the brake system involves a lot of friction between the brake disc and the wheel. In scientific terms, it is the change of kinetic energy into heat energy. During this process, the car rotor rotates in the clockwise direction, as the driver steps on the brake pedal the disc is pushed towards the rotor. The resultant friction causes the vehicle to stop (Brancolini, 2003, p. 441). The brake system is comprises three key parts the iron disc, the brake pads, and hydraulic pistons. The metal disc is fixed on the wheel on which friction is applied by the brake pad. The hydraulic pistons control the movement of the brake pads. The entire braking process is initiated the brake pedal. As the driver steps on the brake pedal, the hydraulic fluid moves from the master cylinder to the slave cylinder. As a result, it pushes the slave pistons; the slave piston pushes the brake pad on the metal disc. The resultant friction stops the vehicle. The hydraulic system reduces work easier since the pressure exacted on the lever is distributed to all wheels (Miller, 2002, p.43). Friction is a primary cause of wear and tear of the brake disc. Therefore, a number of conditions should be met to enhance its durability. During the braking process, kinetic energy is converted into heat energy. As a result, the temperature of the brake disc increases significantly. The high temperature has a major effect on the brake disc material resulting in wear and tear of the brake disc. According to research, the temperature generated on the brake disc is estimated to range from 300 to 800 degrees Celsius. Such high temperature causes the brakes disc to crack hence rendering it useless