The Engineering behind Aircraft Brakes

Aircraft braking systems are intricate and robust mechanisms that play a critical role in ensuring the safety of air travel. These systems are expertly engineered to manage the speed of an aircraft, enabling it to come to a controlled stop upon landing or during taxiing on the runway. In this blog, we will delve into the essential aspects of aircraft brakes, examining their operation and some of their innovative designs.

How Do Most Aircraft Brakes Operate?

Aircraft brakes consist of a series of components that enable controlled deceleration and safe stopping by using hydraulic pressure in conjunction with mechanical elements, being strategically mounted on the main landing gear’s wheel hubs. While their designs can vary, most aircraft brakes function by pressing brake pads against disc rotors, generating friction and producing the force needed to slow an aircraft. As a result of the high temperatures and pressures encountered during braking, materials like carbon composites and high-strength steel are often chosen for these components to remain durable and effective.

Though not central to their functionality, a notable safety feature of many modern aircraft brakes is the wear indicator pin. When brake pads are worn down to a certain thickness, the wear indicator pin becomes visible, indicating to personnel that maintenance will soon be necessary. This proactive approach is one simple way to significantly reduce the risk of failure during operations.

Are There Different Types of Aircraft Brakes?

There are a few different designs used for aircraft, but among the most popular types are disc and drum brakes, which we will discuss below.

Disc Brakes

Disc brakes have become the most prevalent choice in modern aviation, thanks to their superior efficiency and performance. Their design primarily involves a rotor or disc that is securely attached to the wheel and a brake caliper that houses the brake pads. Additionally, a stationary component called the stator holds the discs in place, while the actuator piston applies pressure to push the brake pads against the discs. When a pilot engages the brakes, hydraulic pressure activates the actuator piston within the caliper, moving the pads into contact with the spinning rotor to generate friction and slow the aircraft.

A key advantage of disc brakes lies in their ability to dissipate heat more efficiently than other designs, which prevents overheating and ensures consistent braking performance under various operational conditions. The multi-disc brake system is a notable variation that enhances stopping power. In this configuration, multiple discs are stacked together to increase the surface area available for friction, allowing for greater braking force as the heat generated is more evenly distributed.

Drum Brakes

Drum brakes present an alternative design that is typically only utilized in certain smaller aircraft models. In a drum brake system, key components like brake shoes and springs are housed within a cylindrical drum that rotates along with the wheel. When a pilot applies the brakes, hydraulic pressure pushes the brake shoes outward, forcing them against the inner surface of the drum to create friction and slow the aircraft. Due to their compact nature, drum brakes are well-suited for applications where space is limited. However, their enclosed design tends to trap more heat than disc variants, which can result in reduced performance during extended or repeated braking.

Where Can I Purchase Aircraft Braking System Components?

Purchasing 3Sixty serves as a single-source platform for dependable brake components and various other products. We have a comprehensive selection of over 2 billion parts that are offered with the benefit of swift lead times and competitive pricing, and customers are able to swiftly receive tailored procurement options on desired items when they utilize the Request for Quote (RFQ) forms linked across our website. To learn more about our commitments and services, get in touch at your earliest convenience; our representatives are available around the clock and are always happy to assist.