The Key Differences Between Drum and Disk Brakes

When it comes to handling takeoffs, landings, and general ground taxiing in an aircraft, brake systems are absolutely essential to achieve the power necessary to manage speed and come to a complete standstill on the ground. While there are a number of brake types and designs used across the industry, drum and disc brakes in particular serve as the two most recognized and widespread options. Both systems perform the same general role of reducing the rotational speed of wheels to stop an aircraft, yet they have distinct designs and functionalities. To help you determine which option is most suitable for your needs, we will provide a brief overview of the makeup, functionality, and general advantages of drum and disk brakes.

Drum brakes are one of the earliest forms of aviation braking technology, their key components being a brake drum, brake shoe, wheel cylinder, and brake plate. As a hollow, cylindrical component, the brake drum is installed in a way that allows it to rotate with the wheel of an aircraft. When the brake is activated by the press of a pedal in the cockpit, brake shoes within the drum will press outward, creating friction between them and the drum to slow the rotation of the wheel. The wheel cylinder plays a particularly vital part in this process, as it houses pistons that push the brake shoes outward when hydraulic pressure is applied for actuation. As the final major component of the assembly, the brake plate offers support for the drum brake, ensuring all elements are held in place.

While an older technology at this point, drum brakes have been favored for years as a result of their ability to provide adequate stopping power for many aircraft. One of their advantages is that they are typically quite cheap to manufacture, making them a budget-friendly option. Additionally, the enclosed design of the drum helps reduce overall wear, at the expense of potential overheating during extended braking periods.

As compared to drum systems, disc brakes are considered to be more simple with an open design that promotes higher levels of performance across many conditions. For the general makeup of such an assembly, key elements will generally include a brake rotor, brake pads, and a caliper. The brake rotor itself is a flat, circular component that is attached to the wheel hub, allowing it to rotate alongside the wheel. When the brake is activated by the pilot or autopilot systems, the brake pads are squeezed against both sides of the rotor with the clamping force of the caliper, creating friction to slow the rotation of the wheel.

One of the main advantages of disc brakes is their ability to dissipate heat more effectively than their counterpart during sustained braking, a result of the rotor being exposed to surrounding air for increased transfer. Additionally, disc brakes are often simpler to maintain, as their exposed design allows for better inspection and easier replacement of components like brake pads. Nevertheless, brake pad maintenance can be more frequent with higher levels of friction involved in operation, and these systems often have higher up-front costs as well.

When discussing the distinctions between drum and disc brake assemblies, it is essential to highlight how their mechanisms of leveraging hydraulic power for stopping power differ. While drum brakes use expanding brake shoes inside a drum, disc brakes rely on squeezing brake pads against a rotor. This difference in design leads to distinct performance characteristics, with disc options generally providing more consistent stopping power and better heat management.

For customers seeking brake calipers, rotors, or any other components of brake assemblies, We Are Distribution offers competitive options and high-quality products to suit a wide range of aircraft maintenance needs. Across our website, customers will find over 2 billion listings that are ready for purchase today, everything being offered with competitive pricing, rapid lead times, and quality assurance. As you explore our curated catalogs and come across any items that pique your interest, be sure to take advantage of our online Request for Quote (RFQ) services for the means of obtaining tailored pricing information. All you need to do is fill out and submit one of the many forms we have linked, and one of our team members will contact you shortly after a review to discuss the options we can provide. See why so many customers steadily choose We Are Distribution when you get in touch with our staff.