Combined Experimental and CFD Investigation of Brake Discs Aero-thermal Performances

The paper reports on a combined experimental and numerical investigation of the aero-thermal behavior of a vented automotive brake disc. The aim is to assess to which extent nowadays available CFD codes can be confidently used in the automotive brake disc design process. The reference experimental investigation provided the aero-thermal flow characteristics at the exit of a vented brake disc, with a pin type internal geometry and drilling holes. Tests were performed at one disc rotational speed and at several braking conditions. Star CD software was employed to compute the internal flow. Results were compared and discussed in terms of both global and local quantities. A general good agreement between numerical and experimental results was obtained. Thus CFD simulation was proved to be a very useful tool for brake disc designers.