The Braking Behaviors of Cu-Based Metallic Brake Pad for High-Speed Train Under Different Initial Braking Speed

The purpose of this research was to study the braking behaviors of Cu-based composite pad under real operating conditions of high-speed train. A series of pad-on-disk braking tests was performed with the initial braking speed (IBS) from 80 to 380 km/h. Results showed that the coefficient of friction (COF) of the brake pad demonstrated a three-stage feature with the increase in IBS. It decreased from 0.395 to 0.358 with the increase in IBS from 80 to 200 km/h, then increased to 0.398 when IBS reached 320 km/h; and fell again to 0.379 at 380 km/h. Similarly, the pad also displayed three wear regimes as IBS increased, i.e., (1) mild wear (80–160 km/h), (2) moderate wear (200–250 km/h), and (3) severe wear (300–380 km/h). Surface morphologies and phase analyses indicate that the evolution of the COF mainly depends upon the state of friction film. The formation or completion of friction film regularly contributes to a lower COF and wear rate, while the destruction of friction film results in a higher COF and wear rate. Besides, the “lubricants” induced by high braking temperature are also responsible for the change in the COF. As IBS increased, the key wear mechanisms changed from abrasion, plowing, and oxidation to delamination at 250 km/h.