Elbert Wan
Engineering Studies
Elbert Wan
Engineering Studies

Braking Systems
Braking Systems

Engineering Studies Scaffold Historical development in braking systems-Outline changes in their design and materials used | The introduction of hydraulically assisted ‘servo-brakes’, and, in 1924 the ‘vacuum servo’, led to power assisted braking systems. During the 1930s hydraulic systems were gradually introduced to all braking systems in vehicles.Disc brakesThe next major development in braking systems was the use of disc brakes. Although originally developed in the early 1900s, it was regarded as a ‘new invention’ at the London Motor Show in 1951. Previously disc brakes had only been used on motorcycles, aeroplanes and trucks but not motor cars. This development revolutionised the braking industry, so much so, that by the 1960s the use of disc brakes was widespread in British and European cars.Brake linings and padsAlong with the development of brake mechanisms, frictional material for brake linings also developed. Early brake pad liners were made by weaving an asbestos yarn into the desired shape. Today the brake pad linings are produced from a combination of many materials: fibres, such as glass fibre, kevlar, steel wool and carbon fibres; fillers, such as clay, calcium carbonate, barytes, fine metal and schist; binders, such as phenol-formaldehyde; and friction modifiers, such as elastomers, brass and zinc, which are moulded into shape and cured.Anti-lock braking systems Another major development in recent