Hot spotting of automotive disc brakes is an undesired thermal localisation phenomenon, which is a challenge for numerical modelling in terms of both accuracy and efficiency especially for complex disc geometry. In this research, the aim was to develop a computationally efficient finite element (FE) approach for 2-piece pin-mounted ventilated disc hot spot prediction with acceptable accuracy enabling parametric studies to contribute to the knowledge of the complex mechanisms. A time reduction strategy for the simulations was established by incorporating an axisymmetric brake pad assumption with material scaling factor and the friction characteristics were defined by a user-subroutine. The computing accuracy and efficiency of this method were then verified by comparing with traditional FE models. 2D in-plane, 2D out-of-plane, and 3D models were performed to investigate the effects of ventilated disc hot spotting, radial hot spot/band migration, and hot spotting of realistic complex disc geometry respectively. Both 2D and 3D results were validated using experimental results based on a laboratory dynamometer and showed good correlation. The results suggested that adequate modelling of friction pair contact pressure distribution and the subsequent non-uniform heat generation is essential for hot spot simulation; speed was identified as the determinant for the number of hot spots, whereas hot spot temperature was determined by energy level. Furthermore, recommendations for vent design, pins, disc run-out, cooling, material selection, wear rate, pad length and loading distribution were given. Finally, hot spotting and hot band migration cause-effect chains were established based on the results and discussion.

L’occurrence en service commercial de fissures macroscopiques dans certains disques de frein TGV a pu être reliée au type de garniture utilisé. L’objectif de cette thèse est de comprendre cette relation, d’identifier les paramètres d’influence et de proposer des voies d’amélioration pour la conception de garnitures à risque de fissuration réduit. Le comportement thermique de quatre couples disque-garnitures est d’abord analysé par le biais d’une campagne expérimentale de freinage originale. Elle met en évidence différents types de localisations thermiques et permet d’identifier des signatures thermiques caractéristiques des garnitures. Le lien entre localisations thermiques et risques de fissuration est ensuite établi à l’aide d’une modélisation thermomécanique. Des indicateurs tenant compte des caractéristiques spatiales et temporelles des localisations thermiques ainsi que des niveaux de température atteints sont proposés. Ils permettent de classer les garnitures testées dans un graphe de « criticité ». Enfin, une étude d’influence des caractéristiques mécaniques et thermiques des garnitures sur les localisations engendrées permet de dégager des préconisations et des voies d’amélioration pour la conception de nouvelles garnitures. La caractérisation expérimentale du comportement de deux nouvelles garnitures, l’une s’approchant le plus des préconisations faites, l’autre s’en éloignant fortement, montre la pertinence de l’approche développée et la validité des préconisations / The occurrence of macroscopic cracks in some TGV brake discs in commercial service has been linked to the pad type used. The objective of this thesis is to understand this relationship, to identify sensitive parameters and to propose guidelines to the design of pads reducing the risk of cracking.The thermal behavior of four disc-pad couples is first analyzed through an original experimental campaign of braking. It highlights various types of thermal localisations and enables to identify thermal signatures characteristic of the various pads. The relationship between thermal localisation and risk of cracking is then determined using thermomechanical modeling. Some indicators taking into account spatial and temporal characteristics of thermal localisations and temperature levels achieved are proposed. They enable to classify the tested pads in a graph of "criticity". Finally, a study of the influence of mechanical and thermal properties of pads on the thermal localisations occurrence enables to propose guidelines and improving ways for the design of new pads. An experimental characterization of the behavior of two new pads, one very close to the given recommendations, the other strongly away from them, shows the relevance of the approach and the validity of the present recommendations

Hot spotting of automotive disc brakes is an undesired thermal localisation phenomenon, which is a challenge for numerical modelling in terms of both accuracy and efficiency especially for complex disc geometry. In this research, the aim was to develop a computationally efficient finite element (FE) approach for 2-piece pin-mounted ventilated disc hot spot prediction with acceptable accuracy enabling parametric studies to contribute to the knowledge of the complex mechanisms. A time reduction strategy for the simulations was established by incorporating an axisymmetric brake pad assumption with material scaling factor and the friction characteristics were defined by a user-subroutine. The computing accuracy and efficiency of this method were then verified by comparing with traditional FE models. 2D in-plane, 2D out-of-plane, and 3D models were performed to investigate the effects of ventilated disc hot spotting, radial hot spot/band migration, and hot spotting of realistic complex disc geometry respectively. Both 2D and 3D results were validated using experimental results based on a laboratory dynamometer and showed good correlation. The results suggested that adequate modelling of friction pair contact pressure distribution and the subsequent non-uniform heat generation is essential for hot spot simulation; speed was identified as the determinant for the number of hot spots, whereas hot spot temperature was determined by energy level. Furthermore, recommendations for vent design, pins, disc run-out, cooling, material selection, wear rate, pad length and loading distribution were given. Finally, hot spotting and hot band migration cause-effect chains were established based on the results and discussion. / Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 are unavailable online due to copyright restrictions.