12-04-2013, 03:54 PM
Ceramic Brakes in Audi Vehicles
Ceramic Brakes.pdf (Size: 1.77 MB / Downloads: 119)
Introduction
The fi rst Audi to offer an optional ceramic brake system in Europe was the 2006 Audi A8. The 2011 R8 is the
fi rst, and currently only vehicle that offers ceramic brakes as an option in the Unites States market. Because
of the material properties, ceramic brake systems have major advantages over conventional brake systems,
particularly when used on high-performance and high-mileage vehicles. This Self-Study Program will provide
you with a working knowledge of ceramic braking systems.
Fiber Composites in Brake Systems
Fiber-reinforced material applications are being used
more frequently in automotive applications. This is
because they have special material properties which
render them ideally suited to certain applications.
These properties include, in particular, high strength
at low mass per unit area, high temperature
resistance and outstanding wear properties.
The C/SiC Ceramic Material
The C/SiC ceramic material is a carbon fi berreinforced
silicon carbide.
Silicon carbide has similar properties to diamond.
For example, it is very hard and has a very high
resistance to wear, while possessing very good
chemical and thermal resistance.
Microstructure of a Ceramic Brake Disc
A ceramic brake disc has a so-called friction face
on each side, which is major factor infl uencing the
behavior of the ceramic material in the brake system.
These friction faces are made of a slightly different
material to the underlying substrate. The underlying
substrate is responsible for component strength and
absorbing braking energy.