Analytical model coefficient of friction (COF ) of rail disc brake on the basis of multi-phase stationary tests

Similarly to road vehicles, a disc brake remains the main friction brake in rail vehicles. Due to the increasing train speeds, a disc brake has already replaced the traditional clasp brake that is however, still used in cargo trains. In the process of long-term operation of the brake pad-brake disc friction pair, the parameters of the braking process such as the curve of the coefficient of friction are changed, which extends the braking distance. The paper presents the results of several years of investigations on the railway disc brake in different wear conditions in the aspect of the requirements set by the UIC (International Union of Railways) related to the brake pads approval for use.