A Review of Braking Performance and Dynamic Performance of Brake Discs

Abstract

As a critical safety component in railway braking systems, brake discs necessitate comprehensive evaluation through material–structural analysis and multiphysics interactions. This review systematically examines three core aspects: (1) material advancements in ferrous metals, composites, ceramics, and surface coating technologies, with emphasis on their friction and wear resistance under operational stresses; (2) multiphysics coupling mechanisms involving thermomechanical, fluid–structure, and thermal–fluid–structural interactions; and (3) dynamic performance through vibration characteristics and modal coupling theory. By integrating numerical simulations with experimental studies, we clarify how material selection and structural design govern braking efficiency, particularly focusing on friction–wear behavior and thermal–mechanical degradation. The analysis highlights the role of advanced composites and tailored coatings in improving tribological performance compared to conventional materials. Ventilated disc structures are shown to synergistically enhance heat dissipation and reduce friction-induced wear under high-load braking. Furthermore, the review establishes design principles for optimizing modal stability and noise reduction through geometric adjustments and damping strategies. This synthesis bridges material innovation, multiphysics modeling, and dynamic control to advance brake disc reliability in railway applications.