5. Conclusion

Braking a rail vehicle often involves several different types of brake. These are used according to their operating principle – dynamic, i.e. wear-free, or friction – and their energy dissipation capacities. The combination of brakes ensures that the performance required by the train spacing system is met, while optimizing operating costs, as friction brake components represent one of the highest maintenance cost items on a rail vehicle.

For over a hundred years, the only braking method was the wheel brake, but a revolution began in the 1960s with the widespread use of dynamic brakes, and the development of disc brakes and electromagnetic rail brakes.

Constant progress in disc braking has enabled us to keep pace with increasing braking requirements (higher maximum speeds, higher deceleration rates, greater braking weights). However, other...