Finite Element Simualtion of Heat Generation in the Brake Unit of Heavy-Duty Tribosystems

In the presented research, the heat distribution on the contact surfaces of the brake system of a drilling rig was studied using thermal simulation. The friction temperature distribution model on contact surfaces was obtained using the finite element method in COMSOL Multiphysics 5.5. As a prototype, the mobile drilling rig designed for drilling wells with a depth of up to 3000 m was included in the model. The brake systems of drilling rigs usually use a steel disc and a pad made of a composite material. In this study, a pair of steel and a new asbestos-free organic composite was selected. Based on the selected parameters, the thermal model was used to determine the temperature distribution mechanism along the contact surface of the disc and the brake pad. The highest friction temperature was observed during the first 2 – 4 sec of the braking cycle.