ABS essays

ABS essays The ABS, as it is commonly called is the abbreviation for Anti-Lock Braking System. This is a feature that many of the newer cars come fitted with. But it was not always the case, and still is not the case with several makes. What is the ABS? Before that question is answered, it is perhaps necessary to look at the "brakes". But simply, a brake is a system device that reduces speed or stops a moving object (in this case your car) by creating a force in the opposite direction. Insufficient pressure (brake torque) in the brake system causes "wheel lock" while the vehicle is moving above 80 km/h on a dry paved road surface. Premature "wheel lock" occurs from turbulent shock waves being generated by the uneven braking surfaces (rotors or drums contacting the pads/shoes), vibrating or slapping against the hydraulic pistons in either the clippers or the wheel cylinders. The force of these shock waves can be easily 100 times that of brake torque or the maximum pressure exerted on the rotating brake components. These shock waves have more than enough force to lock the wheels. Wheel lock occurs when brake torque forces exceed tyre grip forces. The impact would be much greater if the road surface is slippery due to rain, oil spills or other causes, or if the vehicle is driven at great speed. At speed, control of the car is difficult, especially at corners where there is a tendency to skid. Statistics show that approximately 40% of automobile accidents are due to skidding. These problems commonly occur on vehicles with the conventional brake system, without the added device called the ABS. The ABS absorbs the unwanted turbulent shock waves, and modulates the pulses thus permitting the wheel to continue turning under maximum braking pressure. The device "limits the degree of wheel slip of one or more of the wheels of the vehicle". This control permits the driver to steer away from any type of collision as long as there is friction bet...