The history of brake disc development

The history of brake discs (or brake discs) reflects the continuous development of automotive braking system technology. From the earliest simple designs to modern complex high-performance systems, brake discs have undergone multiple stages of evolution.

(i) Early development:

1. Late 19th century-early 20th century: The earliest automotive braking systems mainly relied on brake bands (wood or leather) in contact with the wheel to slow down. These systems had poor braking effects and were prone to wear.

2. Early 20th century: As automotive technology developed, steel brake bands and improved brakes began to appear, but these were still relatively primitive and simple designs.

(ii) Introduction of brake discs:

1. 1902: British engineer David Brown invented the first brake disc and tested it on the track. This design used the friction of the metal disc to improve braking performance.

2. 1920s: Brake disc design began to enter the public eye and was gradually used in racing cars and high-end vehicles. Early brake discs were mostly made of cast iron.

(iii) Improvement and popularization:

1. 1950s: Brake disc technology developed further. Cast iron brake discs were widely used, and designs with ventilation holes and lines appeared to improve heat dissipation.

2. 1960s: With the development of the automotive industry, brake discs began to become standard equipment for passenger cars. Ventilated brake discs (i.e. brake discs with built-in ventilation slots) gradually became popular during this period to improve braking performance and extend service life.

(IV) Application of high-performance materials:

1. 1980s: Carbon fiber composites and ceramic composites began to be used in high-performance and racing brake systems. These materials have higher strength and better thermal stability.

2. 1990s: Brake disc design evolved further, and carbon-ceramic composite brake discs appeared, providing higher performance and better heat resistance. Racing cars and high-end supercars began to use this material.

(V) Modern technology:

2000s to present: Modern brake disc technology continues to develop in the direction of high performance, lightweight and durability. The rise of autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance systems has led to the intelligent and integrated development of braking systems. For example, electronic braking systems and brake energy recovery technologies have been gradually introduced to improve overall vehicle safety and braking performance.

Overall, the development of brake discs has gradually evolved from simple designs in the early days to complex systems with high performance and durability. This evolution has not only improved the safety of cars, but also promoted technological progress in the entire automotive industry.