Average Clamping Forces for Vehicle Brake Calipers

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A brake caliper's clamping force is often specified in kilograms, such as 4136 kg, which is interpreted as kilogram-force or kiloponds, equating to approximately 422 Newtons when divided by gravitational acceleration. The discussion highlights confusion between mass and force, clarifying that a brake caliper cannot exert a mass of 1000 kg but can generate a corresponding force. It is noted that the static frictional force between brake pads and rotors is independent of vehicle mass, as it is generated hydraulically. The conversation also touches on the effectiveness of static versus kinetic friction in braking scenarios. Average clamping forces for vehicles are sought for further clarification on this topic.
revolution200
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If a brake caliper exerts 1000kg on a brake pad what is the force due to the this weight?

It can't be umg because there is no g in horizontal weight.

Does g = 1

Therefore F = m
 
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revolution200 said:
If a brake caliper exerts 1000kg on a brake pad what is the force due to the this weight?

It can't be umg because there is no g in horizontal weight.

Does g = 1

Therefore F = m
Your question does not make sense. A brake caliper cannot 'exert' 1000 kg on anything, since kilograms is a measure of mass and not force.
 
I have a specification for a brake caliper that states its clamping force is equal to 4136kg. I know force doesn't equal 4136 but what does clamping force mean then
 
revolution200 said:
I have a specification for a brake caliper that states its clamping force is equal to 4136kg. I know force doesn't equal 4136 but what does clamping force mean then
Could you attach or link to the specification document?
 
I'd interpret it at the equivalent of 4136 kg, that is 4136 kilogram-force or kiloponds. So the force would be 4136/g or about 422 Newtons.
 
http://www.dcsint.nl/pdf/5020a.pdf

Thank you for your fast respones
 
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revolution200 said:
http://www.dcsint.nl/pdf/5020a.pdf

Thank you for your fast respones
In which case, I'd agree with alxm's interpretation,
alxm said:
I'd interpret it at the equivalent of 4136 kg, that is 4136 kilogram-force or kiloponds. So the force would be 4136/g or about 422 Newtons.
Bloody engineers :-p
 
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does this mean the static frictional force is independent of vehicle mass?
 
The force between the brake pads and rotors is not a function of gravity. It is generated hydraulically. If that's the static friction you are talking about, then you are correct, it is not a function of vehicle mass. Judging by the question you asked yesterday, however, I'm guessing you now asking about tires and are still confused about this...
 
  • #11
That can't be true. I have a car stopping with kinetic friction as u*m*g = 0.7 * 1000 * 9.8 = 6860N

I thought static (ABS) is more effective than kinetic

Static coefficient * force = 0.5 * 422 = 211N

This can't be right
 
  • #12
oh, cheers
 
  • #13
can anybody give me an example of average clamping forces for vehicles
 
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