MERL’s brake testing facility comprises three computer controlled small-scale inertia dynamometers. This independent test facility is ideal for those companies from aerospace industries wishing to analyse new friction materials in a more cost-effective manner.

The friction laboratory was established as a part of a DTI sponsored project within the MMS programme run by the National Measurement Systems Directorate in conjunction with Leeds University and MIRA. The project has the support of the friction industry from companies investigating brake materials for both aircraft and high-speed trains.

The facility was also used in part of a 19 Million Euro European Commission Integrated Project developing materials for ultra high performance (Extremat) of which MERL is a partner. In addition, MERL makes the facility available to commercial clients interested in high friction and wear testing.

Facility: The dynamometers are suitable for use with a range of novel friction materials such as ceramic (e.g. SiC brake discs) and carbon composites , coated brake materials, as well as more conventional polymeric based pads and cast iron discs. The friction tests may be run in either pad-on-disc or disc-on-disc configurations with exposure conditions including wet, freeze/thaw or salt spray.

Bespoke/Standard Testing: Test schedules are designed using a ‘block build’ method using specialist software. These test schedules can be either purpose written or standard methods. The modes, which can be applied in various combinations, include constant or variable drag, constant or variable torque, pressure and temperature controlled test schedules. Brake torque, pad pressure, speed, temperature and application time are data logged enabling friction and energy can be calculated. The pad and disc are weighed prior to and after testing to evaluate the wear.

Small–scale inertia dynamometers: Two of the rigs can be used with actual or simulated inertia. The third rig was designed and purpose built by MERL and is used in simulated inertia mode allowing greater flexibility of testing.

For more information please contact Jeanne Pouquet
+44 (0)1462 427850
or submit an enquiry