NASA-Inspired Technology Revolutionizes Braking

NASA’s groundbreaking expertise in reducing mass for spacecraft has led to advancements in the automotive industry. Orbis Brakes Inc. has licensed a NASA-patented technology to develop an innovative brake rotor design. This revolutionary brake disc is at least 42% lighter than traditional cast iron rotors while delivering performance comparable to carbon-ceramic brakes. The result is improved vehicle acceleration, reliable stopping power, and enhanced fuel efficiency.

Key Highlights:

NASA’s technology inspired a lightweight brake rotor that enhances vehicle performance.
The design incorporates air-cooling fins and trenches to manage heat and improve braking efficiency.
Orbis Brakes targets electric vehicles

Advanced Design for Better Braking

Jonathan Lee, a structural materials engineer at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, utilized his mechanical design and materials science expertise to create a cutting-edge brake rotor. Drawing from his work on the Space Launch System and the International Space Station, Lee sought to apply NASA’s innovative approach to terrestrial challenges.

Lee’s initial design featured a single disc with small fins around the central hub. These fins draw in air during rotation, cooling the rotor and associated braking components. The design evolved to include curved depressions, or trenches, radiating from the center of the disc. These features not only enhance cooling but also reduce the disc’s weight and increase its friction surface, leading to more reliable braking.

Superior Cooling and Debris Management

The combination of spinning fins and centrifugal force generates turbulent airflow, which actively cools the rotor and prevents overheating. The trenches increase cooling surface area by over 30% and help manage road debris and water. Small holes at the end of the grooves allow unwanted materials to escape, further improving brake performance.

Practical Applications for High-Performance Vehicles

Orbis’s brake technology exemplifies how NASA’s problem-solving innovations can benefit life on Earth. These advanced brakes are now available as aftermarket modifications for high-performance and electric vehicles providing drivers with enhanced performance and reliability.

This collaboration between NASA and Orbis Brakes highlights the potential of space-age innovation to transform everyday technology, offering significant benefits in safety and performance.

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