Pidurdumine

Pidurdumine is the act of braking, the process by which a moving body reduces its speed or comes to a stop. In everyday use, it refers to braking in vehicles, where braking systems convert kinetic energy into heat or, in some systems, store energy for later use.

Etymology and usage: The word originates from Estonian pidur meaning brake, with the agent noun suffix -mine. It is primarily used in Estonian language technical contexts to describe the braking process, but the concept is universal in physics and engineering.

In transport and machinery, pidurdumine can occur through mechanical friction in brake pads and discs, drums and shoes, hydraulically or pneumatically actuated systems, or through electrical/regenerative braking where the motor acts as a generator. Aircraft, trains, bicycles and cars employ variations, often including anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).

Physical principles: Braking produces deceleration, a = Δv/Δt, from braking force F = ma. The energy to be dissipated is kinetic energy 1/2 mv^2, typically converted to heat in friction brakes, or stored in electric form in regenerative systems. Stopping distance depends on initial speed, deceleration, road conditions and reaction time.

Safety and maintenance: Standards define braking performance, including stopping distance, fade resistance, and reliability. Regular maintenance affects pidurdumine efficiency; worn pads, fluid leaks, or worn discs reduce braking effectiveness.