Braking System and

Aquaplaning
Braking System
The most common type of brake used on aircraft is the disc brake. Disc brakes function by
exploiting friction between rotating and stationary discs inside the brake. Upon receiving a
command signal to brake — from the pilot depressing a foot pedal or from the autobrake system
— actuators in the brake move a piston to squeeze the discs together, generating a frictional
force that slows the rotation of the wheel.
Braking System on Cessna 172
The airplane has a single-disc, hydraulically-actuated brake on each main landing gear wheel.
Each brake is connected, by a hydraulic line, to a master cylinder attached to each of the pilot's
rudder pedals
The operation is as simple as hydraulics get. You press down on the top of the pedals and it puts
the same amount of pressure on the brake pads causing the pads to rub against a rotor. There is
no return line, pumps, relief valves, or any other complicated stuff. To release the brakes simply
let off the pedals and a spring pushes the master cylinder back releasing pressure from the
brake assemblies.
Aquaplaning
Aquaplaning is a phenomenon caused by a wedge of water building up under the tread of the
tyre and breaking its contact with the ground.
The possibility of aquaplaning increases as the depth of the tread is reduced, it is therefore
important that the amount of tread remaining is accurately assessed. The coefficient of
dynamic friction will reduce to very low values, typically 0 , when aquaplaning.
Types
Dynamic Hydroplaning -: Dynamic hydroplaning happens when the water lifts your wheels off
the runway. This usually happens when a wedge of water builds up in front of your tires and lifts
them off the runway. When it happens, you’re literally riding on water. And not good, because
you don’t have traction or braking.
Reverted Rubber Hydroplaning -:
Reverted rubber hydroplaning happens when your tires lock up, the rubber begins to melt, and
trapped water under the tire turns into steam. When it happens, you’re riding on steam, and
melting your tires in the process.
Viscous Hydroplaning -:
When oil or accumulated rubber combines with water on a runway, it can form an impenetrable
layer of liquid your tires can’t break through. This is especially problematic on smooth asphalt
runways.
Prevention
-Don’t land fast on a wet runway. Dynamic hydroplaning happens at about 8.6 times the
square root of your tire pressure. For a Cessna 172 with 34 PSI tires, that’s about 50 knots.
-Keep your tires inflated. Under-inflated tires hydroplane easier than properly inflated ones.
-Use back pressure and aerodynamic braking to slow down. The more weight you have on your
tires, the better.
-Land on a grooved runway, if possible.
-Use light brake pressure, and use aerodynamic braking to keep maximum weight on your
landing gear.
-Use light brake pressure, and never lock up your brakes on landing.