Experimental validation of a numerical thermal model for railway brake blocks with experimental data obtained on a twin-disc rig

Heat generation in tread braking systems increases the temperature of wheel and shoes, possibly triggering damage phenomena. Therefore, reliable brake temperature predictions are essential. Numerical models can thrust the implementation of brake monitoring algorithms and the development of shoe materials with improved performances. However, experimental data is essential for tuning and validation purposes. The paper shows the tuning and validation of a finite element brake shoe thermal model against temperature values recorded with a thermal camera during tests performed with a new scaled twin-disc. The simplified model matches the experimental records with good accuracy.