Thermo-mechanical coupling analysis and fatigue life prediction of the drum brake for tracked work vehicles
ZHOU Qiang
WU Jiangbo
ZHANG Jiale
JI Feilong
QIN Xunpeng
Abstract：[Objective]In response to the high braking performance requirements for extended tracks,the friction discs with high friction coefficient and the large brake chambers were utilized to enhance the braking force.The temperature field,stress field and fatigue life of the improved brake under typical braking conditions were analyzed.[Methods]A 3D thermo-mechanical coupling model of the drum brake was established using the Ansys finite element simulation software.The accuracy of the simulation model was validated through bench test,and the fatigue life of the brake drum was predicted using the Manson-Coffin model.[Results]The results indicate that the temperature rise of the brake drum significantly increases the stress,with both the temperature and stress of the brake drum being higher under the continuous braking condition compared to the single braking condition.During braking,due to the plastic deformation of the brake drum,the stress distribution on the surface of the friction discs is non-uniform,affecting the braking stability and reducing the fatigue life of the drum brake.Test results demonstrate that the braking performance of the entire vehicle has been significantly improved.
Keywords：Drum brakeThermo-mechanical couplingTemperature fieldStress fieldFatigue life prediction
Publication Date：2026-01-31
Online Publishing Date：2026-09-12(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：8( 116-123 )