Brakes and Clutches

By : Vikas Bhadoria

Updated : Feb 20, 2021, 4:13

A brake is defined as a device that mechanically absorbs energy and slows a moving object. Friction is used to slow or stop a moving object such as an automobile. Clutches transfer power from the engine to the wheels of a vehicle. They connect rotating shafts. Generally, a shaft comes from the engine and another shaft comes from the wheels, clutches operate as a connecting factor. 

Brakes and clutches are an essential part of the Brakes and Clutches syllabus for GATE ME. Questions from Brakes and Clutches for GATE ME appear in a variety of competitive exams such as GATE, GCSE, ESE, and PSUs. This article will act as a quick guide for the topic. 

Important Brakes and Clutches Topics for GATE ME

Title

Explanation

Mechanical Brakes

The principle behind mechanical brakes is that two surfaces generate friction by rubbing against each other. The area of the surfaces decides the stopping capacity of the mechanical brakes.

Drum Brakes

Drum brakes work when friction is generated by pads that are usually applied against drums that are rotating. Drum brakes generally mean that the pads are applied on the inner surfaces. Take the Brakes and Clutches online quiz to figure out if you have understood this topic. 

Hydraulic and Pneumatic Brakes 

Hydraulic brakes use the liquid for braking. The engine’s compartment contains the fluid of hydraulic brakes. The master cylinder draws the fluid when necessary. 

Pneumatic brakes use compressed air for braking. Pneumatic brakes are used in heavy-duty vehicles.

Electrical Brakes 

These are brakes that use electricity for braking. These can be typically seen on recreational vehicles and trailers. 

Clutch

Clutches transfer power from the engine to the wheels of a vehicle. They connect two and more rotating shafts.

Positive Contact Clutches 

These clutches transfer power from the engine to the wheels by the interlocking of teeth. These clutches are rarely used. These clutches do not slip and can be used to transmit massive torque.

Friction Clutches

These are the most popular types of clutches. In these, power is transmitted from the driver shaft to the driven shaft by using friction between surfaces. 

Electro-Mechanical or Electromagnetic Clutches

These clutches operate via electricity but transmit power mechanically. Single face clutches are the most popular type of electromagnetic clutches and comprise 90% of sales. 

Take the Brakes and Clutches quiz online to understand the kind of questions that come from this topic. 

Tips to Solve Brakes and Clutches Questions for GATE ME

  • Prepare Brakes and Clutches GATE notes, and use it for revision.
  • Brakes and Clutches is usually an easy topic, so spend less time on questions that come from this topic.
  • Take Brakes and Clutches online tests and use online Brakes and Clutches GATE questions and answers pdfs to get used to the syllabus.

  • Try to solve the paper within the required time limit. 

Importance of Brakes and Clutch in GATE 

  • Generally, Brakes and Clutches GATE questions are both theoretical and practical.
  • This topic is important for developing fundamental knowledge of the subject. 
  • For the past three years, 4.5 marks worth of questions has been coming from machine design. You can expect 1-2 marks from the Brakes and Clutches GATE syllabus.
  • Since there are different sets in GATE, expect 5-7 marks from this topic in at least one set. 

Most Recommended Books for Brakes and Clutches for GATE ME

The following Brakes and Clutches books will help you understand the concepts and prepare for Brakes and Clutches MCQ questions:

Title

Author(s)

Design of Machine Elements 

V.B.Bhandari

Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design

Richard G. Budynas and J Keith Nisbett

Design of Machine Elements

K Ganesh Babu and K Srithar

Why Prepare Brakes and Clutches from BYJU'S Exam Prep?

Each and every topic is worth its weight in the GATE ME Exam. Brakes and Clutches is one such topic where you can score full marks in. The above guide is a fairly simple one. For in-depth Brakes and Clutches notes for GATE pdf, prepare with BYJU'S Exam Prep. You can finish the Brakes and Clutches syllabus for GATE by using BYJU'S Exam Prep’s Brakes and Clutches study material for GATE ME. Our study materials are concise, easy-to-understand and exam-oriented. Prepare with the help of BYJU'S Exam Prep’s Brakes and Clutches notes for GATE ME, and take Brakes and Clutches online tests to prepare yourself for the exam. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. What is clutch and brake? 

Answer: A brake is defined as a device that mechanically absorbs energy and slows a moving object.  Clutches transfer power from the engine to the wheels of a vehicle. 

Q. Do the cars have clutch brakes?

Answer: Manual cars operate with clutch brakes. 

Q. What are electromagnetic brakes? 

Answer: These brakes use electricity to control the brakes. 

Q. When should a clutch be used?

Answer: Use the clutch when you want to change gears. 

Q. What are the types of brakes? 

Answer: There are various types of brakes, namely - Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Electromagnetic, and Mechanical.