Many of the brake applications for off-highway vehicles require the brake to operate in a hostile environment such as mud slurries or abrasive dust. While the drum and disc type brakes available today can perform the stopping function of a brake, they may not provide the low maintenance or long life required in some environmental extremes. A wet disc brake, however, can perform the stopping function as well as provide the required life because it is completely sealed from the operating environment. This paper describes the major design features and the development of the Rockwell wet disc brake.
