Average Clamping Forces for Vehicle Brake Calipers

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter revolution200
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of clamping forces exerted by vehicle brake calipers, including the interpretation of specifications that state clamping forces in terms of mass (kilograms) rather than force (Newtons). Participants explore the implications of these specifications on understanding brake performance and the relationship between clamping force, static friction, and vehicle mass.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the meaning of a brake caliper exerting a force of 1000 kg, arguing that kilograms measure mass, not force.
  • One participant mentions a specification stating a clamping force of 4136 kg and seeks clarification on what clamping force means in this context.
  • Another participant interprets the 4136 kg as equivalent to 4136 kilogram-force or kiloponds, suggesting the force would be approximately 422 Newtons.
  • There is a discussion about whether static frictional force is independent of vehicle mass, with one participant asserting that the force between brake pads and rotors is generated hydraulically and is not a function of gravity.
  • Some participants express confusion regarding the relationship between static and kinetic friction, with one participant providing calculations that suggest discrepancies in expected values.
  • A request for examples of average clamping forces for vehicles is made, indicating a desire for practical data.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the interpretation of clamping force specifications or the relationship between clamping force and vehicle mass. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the definitions and implications of the discussed concepts.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of clamping force and the conversion between mass and force. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of static versus kinetic friction and their dependence on vehicle parameters.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to automotive engineers, students studying vehicle dynamics, and individuals seeking to understand brake system specifications and their implications on vehicle performance.

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
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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
 
Last edited:

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