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Residual brake torque (RBT) is generated in disc brakes as a result of contact between brake disc and brake pads when the braking pressure is not applied. Among the negative implications of RBT are, notably, dispensable additional fuel consumption as well as increased pad (taper) wear. Several properties of the brake system have a direct influence on the level of residual torque [1]. A major effect is connected to the caliper properties determining the clearance gap. This is characterized by the default air gap between pads and disc and its distribution regarding vehicle inner and outer sides (piston and fist sides for floating type calipers). Initial air gap is mainly influenced by the sealing grove design (between piston and housing, where the sealing ring is positioned). The retraction of the piston due to the sealing ring, also called rollback, mainly depends on the load case (e.g. applied pressure and temperature).

In the research project between the Institute of Automotive Engineering (FZD) of the Technische Universität Darmstadt (TUD) and Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG a new modeling concept has been developed. With the aim to enhance the current development process, the brake caliper is modeled based on coupled rigid bodies integrated into a nonlinear system model. Using an explicit interface definition, the number of degrees of freedom is minimized and the calculation of caliper performance is possible over a wide range of parameters. Compared to models based on the Finite Element Method (FEM), fully parameterized geometry from CAD is not necessary, thus the caliper can be optimized for a variation of its geometrical and physical parameters. With this modeling approach, typical performance criteria such as caliper fluid displacement, hysteresis, uneven pad wear and residual torque can be calculated in a virtual bench test.

During light to moderate braking at high speeds the appearance of hot spots can often be observed on the brake disc surfaces. Such hot spots are mostly periodically distributed in the disc's circumference. The occurrence of hot spots leads to negative effects concerning driving comfort. This paper presents a description of the cause-and-effect chain of the mechanisms leading to the emergence of hot spots and thermal judder during the braking process.