Kinetic Eradication: Thermodynamics of Commercial Aviation Brakes

Bringing a 400-ton commercial airliner traveling at 160 miles per hour to a complete stop on a brief stretch of tarmac requires the violent eradication of massive kinetic energy. This deceleration cannot be achieved gracefully; it must be converted entirely into blistering, localized heat. Traditional steel brakes would instantly melt under this catastrophic thermal load. To survive the extreme ...