SIBS incorporates improved heat management that results in lower
operating temperatures.
It does this in
two ways: firstly, maximum thermal mass is utilized; and secondly,
the surface area for rejecting heat is matched to the heat generation
rate. Maximizing the thermal mass differs from simply increasing
mass, as is often employed within brakes. SIBS is comparable in
weight to conventional brakes.
SIBS cooling fluid
enables heat to be transferred from the disc to the housing, and
in turn to the axle mounting. The inclusion of the caliper and
axle mass maximizes thermal mass and reduces the resulting temperature
more effectively than conventional brakes, ensuring that the temperature
is not excessive for either the brake fluid or bearings.
The graph below
shows the temperatures that result within comparative testing
for a conventional dry disc brake and for SIBS. As seen by this
illustration, SIBS brakes only heat up to 200°C, while the corresponding
temperature for conventional dry brakes is twice this figure.
The lower temperature for SIBS is a result of the improved heat
management.
Where heat generation
rates are large due to high speeds, large masses or continual
operation, additional surface area is incorporated to aid heat
rejection. This can either be on the brake itself or can be remotely
increased by a radiator connected by coolant. SIBS can incorporate
coolant flowing within the housings to transfer heat away from
the brake. Reducing the operating temperature of SIBS dramatically
improves its durability. High temperature operation increases
wear and can also lead to premature failure of the disc due to
thermal stress.
As temperature
increases, brake materials soften and the force generation ability
reduces, resulting in fade. Lowering the operating temperature
of the brake components ensures that heat related brake fade is
not observed. SIBS eliminates heat related problems, delivering
dependable braking.
