Simulation of a Rotational Brake System Regulated by Change in Angular Deceleration

Abstract: A fully mechanical rotational brake system activated and regulated by rate of change in angular velocity has been developed by Brillianze Sweden AB. Its field of usage is currently limited and is to be expanded upon. Therefore new models were made to perform multibody dynamics simulations in Adams/View. This is the first time any research or simulations have been made on this specific brake system. Validating and further exploring the theory behind the brake system was the main objective of this thesis. This was fulfilled by observing how different parameters, such as body mass and friction, influence two already existing prototypes and one untested model implementing a spring. From the results, the following conclusions can be drawn. Lower friction coefficients, but rather not too low, are preferred. Although these coefficients lead to longer brake times, they give smoother behaviour which is more desired. The optimal spring stiffness values are system dependent. No conclusions can be drawn as to which are the best in general and must be altered for different applications. A trade-off between keeping the brake arm activated and slowing down steadily has to be made. When the equilibrium of the brake arm is changed, another trade-off emerges. If the angular velocity needed to avoid activation due to gravity increases the deceleration, or force, needed for activation of the brake arm decreases. By comparing the results Brillianze Sweden AB already had with those presented in this report, they seem to be consistent with each other. None of the results in this thesis were found to disprove the theory and sequence of events assumed by the company.