The effect of cast iron disc brake metallurgy on friction and wear characteristics

After examination of a number of current vehicles, four disc brake metallurgy specifications were identified as being representative, These were tested in a common disc shape using the original equipment brake pads to determine the effect of disc metallurgy on the friction, wear and integrity characteristics. It was found that friction was only affected by the specification containing titanium as an allowing element. High carbon racing discs showed excellent integrity but average to poor wear whilst low/medium carbon molybdenum alloyed discs showed excellent wear but poor integrity Further work will consider other pad materials and new disc metallurgies.