• is there a difference on how airplanes brake at drastically different speeds?
• How much gas/fuel is used up throughout an airplane flight - where are the clusters/outliers times during flight?
• Assuming the brake doesn’t use magnetics, how does it stop now?

Comparing brakes on airplanes, military, supersonic

1. Commercial Airplanes

Commercial aircraft deploy flaps on the wings to create aerodynamic drag, slowing the plane down for landing. Spoilers are raised from the wings, disrupting airflow and increasing drag while reducing lift.

Primary Braking Systems:

• Wheel Brakes:

  • Use hydraulic systems to apply pressure to brake pads (similar to car brakes).
  • Often include carbon composite discs for high heat resistance and durability.
  • Anti-skid systems (like ABS in cars) prevent tire lock-up on landing. They compare the aircraft's speed to individual wheel speeds and release brake pressure when necessary

  Commercial airplanes primarily rely on disc braking systems for their main landing gear. These systems typically use multiple disc configurations:

  • Multiple Disc System: Designed for large, heavy aircraft, this system consists of alternating steel stators and discs plated in copper or bronze. Hydraulic pressure compresses the mechanism, creating friction to slow the wheels7.
  • Segmented Rotor System: An advanced version of the multiple disc system, featuring rotors with slots for heat dissipation and fixed high-friction brake linings

• Thrust Reversers: redirect engine thrust forward to assist in deceleration

  • Reverse the direction of engine thrust using deflector panels or clamshell doors.
  • Effective at high speeds right after touchdown, reducing load on wheel brakes.

• Spoilers:

  • Panels on the wings that pop up to disrupt lift and shift the plane's weight onto the wheels.
  • Improves braking effectiveness by increasing friction between tires and runway.

Emergency Braking:

• Hydraulic backups or nitrogen-charged systems can engage brakes if primary systems fail.

Landing Gear Design:

• Tires are designed for high speeds and heavy loads with reinforcements and heat resistance.

2. Military Airplanes

Key: more challenging landing conditions and require specialized braking systems

Primary Braking Systems:

• Wheel Brakes:
  • Similar to commercial planes but engineered for higher performance and durability.
  • Often feature stronger materials like reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) for extreme temperatures during combat landings.
• Thrust Reversers:
  • Found on some military jets, but less common due to weight and stealth considerations.