brakeforce

Brakeforce, commonly referred to as braking force, is the force developed by a vehicle's braking system that acts to decrease its speed or bring it to a stop. It arises from the interaction of brake components with the wheel and the tire-ground contact.

In typical hydraulic brake systems, hydraulic pressure acts on brake pads, pressing them against a rotor to create a braking torque T_b. This torque at the wheel generates a braking force F_w at the contact patch, related by F_w = T_b / r_w, where r_w is the wheel radius. The maximum usable F_w is limited by the available friction μ between tire and road and the normal load N, so F_w ≤ μ N.

Under braking, vehicle weight shifts forward, changing axle loads and the available friction on each wheel. The brake system may distribute force unevenly (brake bias) to optimize stability and stopping distance.

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) modulate braking force to avoid wheel lock and maintain steering control, by varying brake pressure based on wheel speed sensors.

Factors affecting braking force include road conditions, tire condition and temperature, moisture, road texture, tire pressure, brake wear, and rotor or pad condition. The braking force is a key parameter in determining stopping distance and vehicle controllability, and it is influenced by both the mechanical design of the braking system and the interaction with the road through the tires.