Bremsetorques

Bremsetorques is the torque that a braking system applies to a rotating shaft or wheel to oppose its motion. It is the mechanical torque transmitted from the brake interface, such as pads or shoes pressing on a rotor or drum, and results in deceleration of the moving part. Bremsetorques are encountered in automotive systems, bicycles, trains, and various industrial machinery.

The magnitude of bremsetorques depends on several factors. The brake type (disc, drum, or regenerative braking), the clamping force produced by the actuator, the friction coefficient between contact surfaces, the effective radius of the braking surface, and the temperature and wear state of the components all influence the torque. Generally, larger normal forces and larger effective radii increase the torque, but friction can change with wear and heat.

Calculation of brake torque can be simplified by Tb ≈ Fb × reff, where Fb is the braking force at the contact patch and reff is the effective radius of the brake surface. Fb is often approximated as μ × N, with μ being the coefficient of friction and N the normal clamping force. In systems with multiple pads, the torques from individual contact patches sum. The braking power is given by P = Tb × ω, where ω is the wheel’s angular velocity. Real systems also account for hydraulic or electric actuation, pad wear, temperature, and dynamic effects during braking.

Applications and control: Brake torque specifications guide safe stopping performance across vehicles and machinery. Torque distribution among wheels or axles is managed to maintain stability, with systems such as ABS and traction control preventing wheel lock and excessive slip. In hybrid or electric vehicles, regenerative braking can contribute to the total braking torque by using the motor as a generator.