This paper on "Computer Integrated Design: Its Application to Brake Design" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on Design, Simulation & Optimisation: Reliability & Applicability of Computational Methods - 9-11 April 1997, Stuttgart, Germany.

Synopsis

A Computer Integrated Design methodology based around a robust Finite Element model has been developed to assist in the design of commercial vehicle drum brakes. Dedicated Pre and Post-processing enable it to be used by engineers with no knowledge of Finite Element brake analysis to predict braking performance and so by improve design effectiveness. Brake torque for a range of actuation pressures and Drum to Lining contact patterns is predicted and compared to experimental data along with resource requirements. The benefits of using this methodology are realised during early design work where basic design related data from many potential design solutions can be readily obtained.