BC Transit – Air Brake Course

The final factor that will determine
if a vehicle will move is traction.
The final factor that will determine if
a vehicle will stop is traction.
Traction: the ability of a tire to grip the road surface over which it rolls.
Friction: force that resists movement between two surfaces in contact with
each other.
The engine of this truck converts the energy of heat
into the energy of motion. The brakes of this truck
must convert the energy of motion into the energy
of heat. The friction between the the brake linings
and drums generate heat while reducing the
mechanical energy of the revolving drums and
wheels. This energy is absorbed by the drums and
dissipated as heat to the atmosphere.
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