Heat Resistance Effect Evaluation Method of Copper-based Sintered Alloy Base Material on Friction Coefficient

Train mechanical brakes convert kinetic energy into friction heat, which is emitted, to obtain braking force. Therefore, when stopping distance needs to be shortened to improve safety, the heat load on the brake increases. Friction material used for the brake is then required to have a thermally stable friction coefficient in addition to the heat capacity capable of accepting a given kinetic energy. This study therefore focuses on a method for evaluating brake friction materials used in Shinkansen, especially copper-based sintered alloy. We conducted experimental investigations, such as thermal analysis of solid lubricants and measurement of friction coefficient using a high-temperature friction test apparatus. This paper introduces the developed evaluation method of the heat resistance of base materials on the experiment results.