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Coming Next Issue
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Fernandez Racing |
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CPO Nightmares |
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Hot Lap: Strong Strut |
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Lotus Elise Preview |
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| Brake Pad Technology, continued. |
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Performance Friction is responding though, with application of more technology in product design, including:
- Use of statistical design techniques to develop new generations of friction material and studying effects of exotic materials such as ceramic fibers on performance.
- Evaluation of thousands of friction compounds. The data is stored in a computer database that can be analyzed using conventional statistical techniques or artificial intelligence/neural network techniques.
- Development of friction material types including ceramic modified low metallic content materials (as well as the Carbon Metallic (TM) materials required by heavy duty applications).
- Incorporation of noise dampening underlayers between friction material and steel backing plate that reduce noise dramatically.
- Implementing computer aided Finite Element Models of the pad, rotor, and caliper to predict problem noise frequencies and propose design enhancements like pad chamfers and plate design changes.
- Verification of computer models with experimental ìmodal vibrationî testing.
The environmental aspect of friction material development also cannot be overlooked. Contrary to popular belief, friction material containing asbestos is still being produced and sold in surprising volumes. Several brake pad manufacturers are facing overwhelming financial problems, including bankruptcy, due to impending asbestos litigation. Current California-based legislation (Proposition 65) has restricted the use of materials such as antimony (which contains traces of arsenic), lead compounds, chromium, and potassium titinate, as well as asbestos.
As you can see, Performance Friction knows a thing or two about braking. We look forward to bringing you future articles about automotive brake technology, and will be launching a new section within the Roadfly Website strictly devoted to bringing you cutting-edge, insider info on this exciting topic. Roadfly and Roadfly would like to thank Performance Friction for taking the time to provide us with this information, and we look forward to bringing you more information in the future.
Be sure to check out Performance Friction's website as it's full of tips, tricks, and information that will make you appreciate your brakes every time you press "the middle pedal."
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