Hydrophilic Characterization of Automotive Brake Fluid
Kao, M
Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taiwan

Tien, D
Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taiwan

Ting, C
Assistant Professor

Tsung, T
Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taiwan

(Received 30 August 2005; accepted 25 January 2006)

Abstract

This paper presents significant experimental data for hydrophilic characterization of automotive brake fluids. A novel technique is developed for these measurements. Because brake fluid is well known as a hygroscopic fluid, its molecular O–H structure easily allows hydrogen bonding with hydromolecules, e.g., H₂O. The moist brake fluid reduces the boiling point and moreover causes the deterioration of the functionality of the brake system. A proximal linear relationship between moisture content and its corresponding resistance for DOT3 brake fluid is found in this study, which uses the signal input of the electronic control unit (ECU) of the brake system. The applied technology of measurement is especially developed in the laboratory, which consists of two functions; the moisture meter and the automatic prewarning system. This instrument changes the controlling conception of a brake system from a passive regular check of brake fluid to an active prewarning for the drivers.

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Author Kao M, Tien D, Ting C, Tsung T Title Hydrophilic Characterization of Automotive Brake Fluid Symposium , Committee on