Brakes are an energy converting mechanism that
converts vehicle movement into heat while stopping the
rotation of the wheels. All braking systems are designed
to reduce the speed and stop a moving vehicle as
desired by the driver within a minimum distance in an
emergency. This is done by causing friction at the
wheels. There are two basic types of friction that
explain how brake systems work: kinetic, or moving,
and static, or stationary. The amount of friction
produced is proportional to the pressure applied
between the two objects, the type of materials in contact
& the smoothness of their rubbing surfaces. Friction
converts the kinetic energy into heat. The greater the
pressure applied to the objects, the more friction & heat
produced, & the sooner the vehicle is brought to a
stop[4]. The following figure is representing the types of
friction acting on the vehicle during motion. Kinetic
friction acts in the brakes and static friction between the
tire and road to slow the vehicle.
When brakes are applied, the vehicle’s weight is
transferred to the front wheels and is unloaded on the
rear wheels[4]
.