CLASP BRAKES

Clasp brakes are compared to single-block design brakes. The clasp brake involves two brake blocks per wheel, arranged if possible at opposite ends of a diameter. Clasp brakes are not only more efficient than the single-brake block apparatus; they must be regarded as essential for all high-speed services. With clasp brakes the pressure per brake block is halved and the rate of renewal, and hence all maintenance costs, is proportionately reduced. Due to the lower pressures secured by clasp brakes, the temperature attained during a stop is also reduced, as the arrangement offers twice the area for the dissipation of the heat generated. The durability of clasp brake blocks has been shown by observations in America, to be increased to as much as 40 percent above the life of single-block brakes. Several British applications of clasp brakes are mentioned.

• Corporate Authors:

  Temple Press Limited

  161-166 Fleet Street
  Longon EC4,   England 
• Publication Date: 1946-5-10

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 505-506
• Serial:
  • RAILWAY GAZETTE
  • Volume: 84

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Brake shoes; Brakes; Costs; Deceleration; Maintenance management; Technology; Temperature; Vehicle design; Vehicle maintenance
• Uncontrolled Terms: Maintenance costs
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom; United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Brake design
• Subject Areas: Design; Finance; Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00037290
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 4 1994 12:00AM