Impact of Aspect Ratio on the Tribological Behavior of Braking Interfaces in the Presence of Wear Evolution

Abstract This study aims to explore how the aspect ratio of brake pads affects the tribological behavior of the brake interface in high-speed, heavy-load conditions. This includes examining the contact state, temperature field, and pressure distribution during wear evolution. Using the high-speed spindle brake of a wind turbine as a case study, we established five coupled thermal-mechanical-wear models with various aspect ratios of brake pads and conducted finite element simulations. The validity of the developed models is appropriately verified through brake wear experiments via a reduced inertia braking test bench. The obtained results reveal that the aspect ratio of the brake pad has a considerable influence on the frictional behavior of the brake interface under wear evolution. The modifications in surface morphology significantly impact the contact state and pressure distribution at the brake interface, which in turn play a crucial role in the generation and transfer of frictional heat. A reasonable aspect ratio of the brake pad could reduce the wear rate and stress concentration during the braking process, thereby enhancing the wear resistance and reliability of the braking system.