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Inertia dynamometers are commonly used to determine the friction coefficient of brake assemblies. Dynamometers are a well-established platform, allow testing under controlled conditions, exhibit a good correlation to many situations encountered in real driving, and are comparatively economical and less time-consuming than full vehicle test. On the other side of the spectrum is the use of scaled tribometer. These test systems make possible a test without the entire brake corner. This separation allows the investigation of the frictional-contact only (frictional boundary layer) speedily and independently of a given brake system or vehicle configuration. As the two test systems (inertia dynamometers and tribometers) may have different users with possibly different tasks, the question remains regarding how comparable the two systems are. These issues provide incentives to better define the fields of investigations, correlation, and applicability for the two systems.

Friction materials for automotive brakes are known to exhibit a time-dependent tribological behavior. When examining these dynamic effects special demands are made on the measurement device: The influences of the brake system should be minimized and parameters like velocity, contact pressure and temperature should be controlled closely and independently. Furthermore, special test procedures need to be designed. This can ideally be achieved using a scaled tribometer like the High-Load-Tribometer at the Institute of Dynamics and Vibrations in Braunschweig. Former investigations [1] have shown that a kind of memory effect can occur for a low-met brake pad rubbing on a cast iron disk. A variation of the initial disk temperatures has revealed that a temporary increase of the coefficient of friction can occur at slightly elevated temperatures. This effect is memorized by the material as a certain procedure needs to be performed in order to achieve a regeneration.

There are few principal excitation mechanisms that brake system NVH simulations are based on, especially the high frequency squeal simulations. These mechanisms can be described by some simple mechanical models that exhibit excitation or self-excitation effects induced by friction [1, 2]. These models use very simple friction laws of Coulomb type, described by a friction coefficient that is either a constant or simple functions of some state variables, taking into account a Stribeck characteristic. Measurements from the AK-Master or SAE J2521, however, show that the friction coefficient is not a simple function of some state variables, describing a steady state behavior of friction. In the past several years, material dependent descriptions of the frictional brake interface have started attracting attention [3]. These aspects are greatly influenced by the tribological effects at the frictional interface, which can be characterized by typical wear patterns.

Dynamic aspects in the understanding of friction are increasingly coming into focus. Therefore, test arrangements are required, which allow dynamic measurements as well, especially with defined and reproducible sliding speeds. In addition, investigations of vehicle brakes require high power. A simple, reliable measurement device, based on the pin-on-disc principle, that meets these requirements was developed and will be presented here. This high load tribometer is based on a specially altered lathe. One key benefit of a lathe as a basic unit is the fact that the main mechanical part is standardized industrial equipment. Additional components and measuring devices can be integrated with little effort and great flexibility. The built-in 15kW AC motor and the embedded gearbox permit speeds and torques to the service areas of vehicle brakes, also of heavy duty vehicles and sports cars.