Bremse

Bremse is a device that reduces speed or stops motion by converting kinetic energy into heat through friction. The term is used in German and related languages; in English the equivalent is brake. Brakes are essential safety systems in motor vehicles, trains, aircraft, bicycles, and many machines.

Principles and types: Most modern brakes are friction brakes, using pads or shoes pressed against a rotating surface. The common forms are disc brakes, where a caliper clamps pads onto a rotor, and drum brakes, where shoes press against the inside of a rotating drum. Brakes can be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated, and some systems employ mechanical linkages. In electric and hybrid vehicles, regenerative braking uses electric motors to absorb energy and convert it back to stored electrical energy, often in combination with friction brakes.

Components: Key components include the brake rotors or drums, friction elements (pads or shoes), calipers or wheel cylinders, and the actuation system (master cylinder, lines or hoses). The system uses brake fluid to transmit hydraulic force. Modern vehicles may also include sensors, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) or stability control.

Operation and performance: When the driver applies the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure increases and actuates the braking elements. Friction converts kinetic energy into heat at the contact surfaces. The design must manage heat, wear, and rotor/drum dimensions to prevent fade and ensure consistent stopping power.

Maintenance and standards: Brakes require regular inspection of pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and fluid. Pads and shoes wear over time and must be replaced; fluid should be changed per manufacturer intervals. Braking systems are governed by automotive safety standards and regulations in different jurisdictions, and tested for reliability and performance, including emergency braking and anti-lock behavior.