How much (roughly) brake torque can be produced by a regular car

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on estimating brake torque for regular cars, specifically for a simplified vehicle model. Participants suggest that typical brake torque values range from 200-300Nm for soft deceleration to around 2000Nm for hard deceleration. The maximum braking capability is determined by the static coefficient of friction and the load on the tires, with most vehicles achieving approximately -1.0g of braking acceleration. A 2200kg SUV example indicates a brake torque capability of -3000Nm.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, particularly force and torque calculations.
  • Familiarity with vehicle dynamics and braking systems.
  • Knowledge of the static coefficient of friction and its application in braking scenarios.
  • Awareness of vehicle weight and its impact on braking performance.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the static coefficient of friction for various tire types and conditions.
  • Explore braking distance regulations and safety standards in your region.
  • Study the dynamics of anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and their effect on braking performance.
  • Investigate empirical data on braking acceleration for different vehicle categories, including high-performance cars.
USEFUL FOR

Automotive engineers, vehicle dynamics researchers, and developers of vehicle simulation models will benefit from this discussion.

pfk
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Hi everyone! I am new to the forum but you have helped me many times in the past.

I need your opinion about how much (roughly) brake torque can be produced by a regular car.

I am developing a simplified vehicle model and I don't know how much torque to apply when the vehicle slows down. I apply 200-300Nm for a "soft" deceleration, almost 1000Nm for "medium" and 2000Nm for hard one.

Do those values make sense to you?

Thank you for your time!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
The question as posed makes little sense.

It's a function of tyre grip, as all brakes as designed can lock the wheels up. Disregarding the complexities of pneumatic tyres (assuming that standard friction equations are valid).

Maximum braking will occur just before the tyre locks up. This is:
static coefficient of friction * load on tyre.

F = mu*Fn

The maximum torque applied:
force * the distance to the centre of the wheel.

T=Fd
 
Sorry about my question. I am not looking for a particular equation, I am looking for some empirical data. My model is very simplified, so I’m not taking into consideration the dynamics of the wheels.

I would like to know what is the brake capability [brake torque Nm] of an average vehicle.
 
pfk said:
My model is very simplified, so I’m not taking into consideration the dynamics of the wheels.

You could start by taking the legal maximum braking distances in your country that are required for vehicle safety checks etc, and usually published in books on learning to drive. Use those figures and a typical mass of the vehicle to estimate the braking torque
 
Great idea! Thank you!
 
You could just simply model the maximum braking acceleration the car is capable of. I think most cars as a general rule are capable of about -1.0g of braking acceleration (60-0mph in 110 feet); high-performance cars even more, maybe 1.3g (60-0mph in 90 feet).

Braking curves for most cars are usually pretty flat too (pretty constant acceleration), as long as they have anti-lock brakes and don't overheat the brakes.
 
Mech_Engineer said:
You could just simply model the maximum braking acceleration the car is capable of. I think most cars as a general rule are capable of about -1.0g of braking acceleration (60-0mph in 110 feet); high-performance cars even more, maybe 1.3g (60-0mph in 90 feet).

Braking curves for most cars are usually pretty flat too (pretty constant acceleration), as long as they have anti-lock brakes and don't overheat the brakes.


Thank you!

I found that the 2200kg SUV that I approach is capable of -3000Nm brake torque. So, I multiply the brake pedal position [0,..,1] with the -3000 and the result is one of the 3 inputs that my mode has.
 

Similar threads

Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
6K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
7K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K