In order to test a proposed design of aircraft brake, it is obviously necessary to build a prototype, lay down a testing schedule in accordance with airworthiness requirements, and then test the brake, using for example a flywheel type test machine.

The time scale involved in this exercise is quite considerable. Once the brake has been designed it has to be drawn, stressed and the paper work required to make the prototype raised. What is not quite so obvious is that in most cases of brake test the final stage or reject take-off test leads to destruction of the heat sink. Thus if the test is not satisfactory or the results do not comply with the requirements and a retest is required, then a new prototype will also be required. In the case of a large multiplate disc brake the cost of such an exercise would be considerable.

It is hoped that the introduction of a “simulator” program run on a digital machine will enable a good deal of both time and money to be saved in the evolution of a satisfactory design.