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This course is an introduction and overview of friction and non-friction brakes as used on vehicles and machinery. Section 1 describes the various constructions of friction brake designs, the advantages of each and operating characteristics. Section 1 identifies and explains the three primary functional requirements of friction brakes and itemizes and describes the main types of drum brakes and several applications. Disk brakes are compared to drum brakes. Basic friction brake calculations are described and explained.
Section 2 describes the various devices and methods, other than friction brakes, to control the speed of vehicles and machinery. It shows the advantages of retarders over friction brakes. It explores the development of dynamic braking on large off-highway haulage trucks and its applications to other vehicles. Section 2 also describes the main features and principles of operation of retarders of various types, including water brakes, eddy current brakes, compression release brakes, hydrostatic drive brakes and exhaust brakes. The difference between brakes and retarders is explained.
Section 3 describes the various means to apply and control brakes on vehicles. It explores the development of brake control systems from manually applied mechanical systems to full power hydraulic braking systems. Included in the discussion are mechanical brakes, manual hydraulic brakes, vacuum assisted brakes, air brakes, air over hydraulic brakes and full power hydraulic brakes. Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) are also introduced and briefly discussed.
Section 4 is a reference to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for Brakes.
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