Wet multi-disc friction components heat dissipation capability and optimal oil supply under continuous braking condition

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to investigate wet multi-disc brake temperature field and optimal oil supply under continuous braking condition. The oil supply of wet multi-disc brake has a direct impact on the drivability and fuel economy for tracked vehicles. Too small flow will result in the higher temperature and failure of brake while excessive one will lead to slow engagement increasing disengaged torque and the transmission efficiency could decline notably. The optimal oil supply and brake temperature field were obtained in this research. Design/methodology/approach - This article investigated on the heat dissipation capability and optimal oil supply of the brake by the means of CFX model. The working condition was continuous braking and the lubricating and cooling factors were included in the model. Findings - That the complex trends with increased oil flow is inconsistent with the traditional formula in which the effects of grooves were neglected. The fitting curve of optimal oil supply can predict various needed oil flow in various rotating speed and it provides a theoretical guidance for oil supply design. Originality/value - Traditional empirical formula of heat transfer coefficient and Reynolds equation solved by different methods could be difficult to deal with the complex boundary conditions of wet multi-disc brake. CFX model can solve the problem of complex boundary condition. The optimal oil supply curve can provide a theoretical guidance for oil supply design.