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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the brake torque produced by a regular car, particularly in the context of developing a simplified vehicle model. Participants explore various factors influencing brake torque, including empirical data and theoretical considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests applying 200-300Nm for soft deceleration, 1000Nm for medium, and 2000Nm for hard deceleration, questioning if these values are reasonable.
  • Another participant argues that brake torque is dependent on tyre grip and the load on the tyre, emphasizing the importance of the static coefficient of friction and the distance to the wheel's center for calculating maximum torque.
  • A participant clarifies they are seeking empirical data rather than equations, specifically looking for the brake capability of an average vehicle in terms of brake torque (Nm).
  • One suggestion is to use legal maximum braking distances required for vehicle safety checks to estimate braking torque based on a typical vehicle mass.
  • Another participant proposes modeling maximum braking acceleration, noting that most cars can achieve about -1.0g of braking acceleration, with high-performance cars potentially reaching -1.3g.
  • A later reply mentions a specific case of a 2200kg SUV capable of -3000Nm brake torque, indicating a method of scaling brake torque based on brake pedal position.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on how to estimate brake torque, with some focusing on theoretical calculations while others seek empirical data. No consensus is reached on specific values or methods for estimating brake torque.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the complexities of tyre dynamics or the specific conditions under which different braking scenarios apply. Assumptions about vehicle mass and braking performance may vary.

pfk
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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!
 
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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.
 

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