Brakes Research

Regenerative Braking

Conversion of kinetic energy to chemical energy that can be stored back into the battery.
Tesla’s regenerative braking works through the position of the throttle to control the torque applied. This torque could be positive (Forward) or negative (Backwards).
As throttle is slowly let off, motor swaps direction to slow your car down.

The maximum temperature of heat when brake is applied is around 250 degrees celsius

Drum brakes can provide more braking force than a disc brake.
Drum brakes can last longer because they have a larger area for contact with friction, making it wear out less then a disc brake
Disc Brakes can provide a harder clamping force, increasing stopping power
Drum brakes are cheaper to manufacture than disc brakes.
Rear drum brakes generate lower heat.

Brake by Wire

Brake pedal sends a signal to the brake control unit which in turn activates the brake. The pedal
position and pressure in which applied will decide how hard the brakes work to stop the vehicle
An electric pump is used to push hydraulic fluid through the brake lines in order to actually
activate the brake (Similar to conventual brake systems)
A disadvantage is that this feels like an artificial braking system so it can hard to get used to
Most companies use this as a backup option or a side option to conventional brake system
Advantages is that it is better at stopping a vehicle then the conventional style because the
computer is faster, also Alpha Romeo uses a large brake booster which allows them to stop in
100 milliseconds compared to 300 milliseconds in the conventional style brakes
Brake Disk Size Charts (Helpful Links)
- http://www.blackdiamondperformance.com/pdf/disk_measurements_07_05.pdf
Disk Brakes Vs Drum Brakes (Helpful Links)
- Complete Guide to Disc Brakes and Drum Brakes - Les Schwab

Types of Brake Pads

Semi-Metallic

Most common brake pads used
These are in between 30-70% made of metal with the rest being fillings
Composite of metal shavings of copper, steel, graphite, and brass bonded with resin
Function well in extreme weather conditions
Made for high performance driving as it can absorb more heat and dissipate more heat quickly
than the others

Organic Brake Pads

Composite of glass, rubber, Kevlar bonded with resin
Cons
- Not very durable
- Create a lot of brake dust
- Better suited for lightweight vehicles with less excessive braking
Pros
- Eco-friendly and dust produces is not very harmful
- Quieter than other brakes
- Softer and work better in warm climates
Made for occasional driving

Ceramic Brake Pads

Does not cool very well so heat can pass through into brake system creating more wear and tear
Lightweight and produce less dust
Not very good for extreme driving conditions due to its heating issue stated in first point
Made for urban commuting

Carbon Ceramic Brakes

F1 Cars use this and they are best brakes for high performance
Able to withstand different climates and can handle high temperatures very well, making it most durable
Lightest weight material out of the others listed
However, these are the most expensive ranging from $3000-$15,000

Brake Rotors

Made out of Cast Iron due to its strength
Machining rotors may be cheaper to make, but can be costly in long term with maintenance
Comes in different shapes and sizes
Holes are put around brake rotors for heat control and help with cooling

Overall better to buy rotors and pads from a manufacturer because they are easy to find
Machining our own can compromise safety, and be costly for maintenance
This website provides Rotors and Pads for all makes and models of cars with 1 year warranty
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