A comparative study of original equipment manufacturer brake pads using tribological testing and hybrid ranking for enhanced decision making and cost effectiveness

Tribological test and hybrid ranking techniques are employed to evaluate brake pads from original equipment manufacturers for Indian passenger cars. The study was conducted for four brake pads designated as OE1, OE2, OE3, and OE4. The assessment integrates the analytical hierarchy process with various ranking methods including Extension Evaluation Method, Complex Proportional Assessment, Preference Selection Index, and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. Brake pad samples undergo testing according to the standard IS2742 part 1-4 of 1994, generating crucial performance parameters such as performance coefficient of friction, hot coefficient of friction, normal coefficient of friction, fade percentage, recovery percentage, variation in coefficient of friction, wear thickness loss percentage, wear mass loss percentage, and time taken to reach maximum temperature. These performance metrics are technically analyzed and ranked using hybrid ranking techniques to enhance the decision-making process. The results show that OE4, a budget-friendly brake pad ranked first, is the best performer. OE2, a more expensive alternative, is placed second, and OE1 and OE3, which are more affordable possibilities, are ranked third and fourth, respectively. This research serves as a valuable resource for selecting brake pads for Indian passenger cars, especially in scenarios where technical specifications and cost-effectiveness are crucial considerations.