The Boeing Company
Brake health indicator systems using input and output energy

Abstract:

Systems and methods for indicating the health of brakes on an aircraft or a ground vehicle. One method for monitoring brake health calculates the ratio of input energy to output energy during braking. The input energy is a function of commanded brake force and speed. The output energy may be measured by measuring the increase in temperature or the actual brake force over time during brake application. When using brake temperatures, the temperatures in a pair of brakes may optionally be compared. If the respective measured temperatures of the two brakes differ by an amount that exceeds a specified threshold, the system produces an indication that one brake may require repair or replacement. Variability due to operational and environmental factors that affect measured temperature can be reduced by comparing the measured brake temperatures for one brake with selected brake temperature data collected from the same brake during other landings under similar conditions.