Optimizing Brake Bias in Formula SAE: A Framework for New and Existing Members

Formula SAE cars undergo various events where different brake biases are beneficial. Brake bias, the percentage of braking force between the front and rear brakes, plays a crucial role in the car’s overall performance and safety. Correct tuning and diagnostic of the brake system greatly improves stability, minimizes wheel lock-up, and reduces the risk of under and oversteer. This report provides a framework methodology and analysis to optimize brake bias in most situations. The objective is to provide a base knowledge of the brake system that gives new team members a step-by-step guide that simplifies the brake bias calculation and gives accurate results throughout design iterations. The main focus includes static and dynamic load distributions, frictional and braking forces, clamping forces, and line pressures. By combining theoretical principles as well as tested applications, this guide is to support future design and testing efforts that meet performance and safety standards given by Formula SAE.