Journals / Dicle Üniversitesi Mühendislik Fakültesi Mühendislik Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 17 Sayı: 2

The Effect of Increasing Silicon and Copper Elements in the Composition of Brake Discs on Pad Wear in Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Ağır Hizmet Araçlarında Fren Disklerinin Kompozisyonunda Silisyum ve Bakır Elementlerinin Arttırılmasının Balata Aşınmasına Etkisi

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Publication Date
2026-06-25
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The results showed that, compared to the reference sample, pad wear decreased by approximately 40%, and by around 26% relative to the test limit value.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:In this study, the effect of the material composition of gray cast iron brake discs used in heavy commercial vehicles on brake pad wear performance was investigated.
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Key Findings & Data:In particular, the role of increased proportions of silicon (Si) and copper (Cu) in reducing pad wear was evaluated.
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Conclusion & Impact:The results showed that, compared to the reference sample, pad wear decreased by approximately 40%, and by around 26% relative to the test limit value.
🔬Design:Modeling & Simulation
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Ağır ticari araç fren disk mikroyapısı · Termal iletkenlik · Homojen grafit lamelleri

Abstract

In this study, the effect of the material composition of gray cast iron brake discs used in heavy commercial vehicles on brake pad wear performance was investigated. In particular, the role of increased proportions of silicon (Si) and copper (Cu) in reducing pad wear was evaluated. In the first stage of the study, a reference composition brake disc (Sample 1) was tested using an inertia dynamometer in accordance with the ISO 26866 standard. The tests revealed higher than expected wear rates on the pads. Microstructural analyses indicated that this excessive wear was caused by the short and thin morphology of the graphite lamellae. To address this issue, a new brake disc (Sample 2) with increased Si and Cu contents was produced and subjected to the same testing procedure. The results showed that, compared to the reference sample, pad wear decreased by approximately 40%, and by around 26% relative to the test limit value. Microstructural examinations confirmed that the new disc contained thicker and longer graphite structures, which were directly associated with the higher Si and Cu levels. The findings demonstrate that gray cast iron discs with elevated Si and Cu contents exhibit more stable friction behavior and significantly reduce pad wear. This study provides valuable contributions to material optimization and engineering design aimed at enhancing the durability of braking systems in heavy commercial vehicles.

Özet

Bu çalışmada, ağır ticari araçlarda kullanılan gri dökme demir fren disklerinin malzeme kompozisyonunun balata aşınma performansı üzerindeki etkisi incelenmiştir. Özellikle silisyum (Si) ve bakır (Cu) elementlerinin oranlarındaki artışın, balata aşınmasını azaltmadaki rolü değerlendirilmiştir. Çalışmanın ilk aşamasında, referans kompozisyona sahip bir fren diski (Numune 1) kullanılarak, ISO 26866 standardına uygun şekilde atalet dinamometresi testleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Testler sonucunda, balatalarda beklenenden yüksek aşınma oranları gözlemlenmiştir. Yapılan mikroyapı analizleri, bu aşınmanın, grafit lamellerin kısa ve ince morfolojisinden kaynaklandığını ortaya koymuştur. Bu durumu iyileştirmek amacıyla, artırılmış Si ve Cu içeriğine sahip yeni bir fren diski (Numune 2) üretilmiş ve aynı test prosedürüne tabi tutulmuştur. Elde edilen veriler, yeni disk ile gerçekleştirilen testlerde balata aşınmasının, test limiti değerine göre yaklaşık %26, referans numuneye göre ise yaklaşık %40 oranında azaldığını göstermiştir. Mikroyapı incelemeleri, yeni disk örneğinde daha kalın ve uzun grafit yapılarının oluştuğunu, bunun da Si ve Cu oranlarındaki artışla doğrudan ilişkili olduğunu doğrulamıştır. Elde edilen bulgular, yüksek Si ve Cu içeriğine sahip gri dökme demir disklerin daha stabil bir sürtünme davranışı sergilediğini ve balata aşınmasını önemli düzeyde azalttığını göstermektedir. Bu çalışma, ağır ticari araçlarda fren sistemlerinin dayanıklılığını artırmaya yönelik malzeme optimizasyonu ve mühendislik tasarımlarına önemli katkılar sağlamaktadır.

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Cite This Article

Çınarcık, Z., Yılmaz, Ö. C., Güntay, B. (2026). The Effect of Increasing Silicon and Copper Elements in the Composition of Brake Discs on Pad Wear in Heavy-Duty Vehicles. Dicle Üniversitesi Mühendislik Fakültesi Mühendislik Dergisi, Cilt: 17 Sayı: 2. https://doi.org/10.24012/dumf.1822206

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