2006-06-06 06:39:51 · 8 answers · asked by sevandlin 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
A retarder is a device used to augment or replace some of the functions of primary friction-based braking systems of (usually) heavy vehicles.
Friction-based braking systems are susceptible to 'fade' when used extensively, and this can become dangerous if the braking performance drops below that required to stop a vehicle -- for instance if a lorry or coach is descending a long incline. For this reason, such heavy vehicles are frequently fitted with a supplementary system that is not friction-based.
Retarders are not restricted to road vehicles, but may also be used also in railway systems. The British prototype Advanced Passenger Train used hydraulic retarders to allow the high-speed train to stop in the same distance as standard lower speed trains, as a purely friction-based system was not viable.
Retarders serve to slow vehicles down, or maintain a steady speed on inclines. They are usually not capable of bringing vehicles to a standstill, as their effectiveness diminishes at low speeds. They are usually used to slow vehicles down, with the final braking being carried out by a friction brake. As the friction brake does not then need to be used so much, particularly at higher speeds, the service lifetime of friction brakes is enhanced.
See more at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retarder_%28mechanical_engineering%29
2006-06-06 06:49:56 · answer #1 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"ditto" the serious replies, there's also an exhaust braking system that will divert power from the exhaust cycle of a diesels cycle, and send it through the drive train. It augments the normal "braking" effect caused by the engine's resistance when it's rpm is lower than the speed which the vehicle is moving. This is used mainly while going downhill to reduce the amount of force needed by the truck's brakes. Overuse of a truck's brakes while going down a steep grade will cause them to overheat leading to "brake fade". this can lead to a truck losing it's brakes altogether. (a very, very bad thing).
2006-06-06 15:30:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Jacobs engine brake is a brand name for an engine retarder that uses the engines compression as a braking force to slow the vehicle down to save on brakes.
2006-06-06 06:52:50 · answer #3 · answered by gentlemanfarmer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those are the people who hang off the sides when it is going real fast... no wait, sorry that's retards.
There is a retarder that can be added to the drive train on trailers. to assist with braking, bet that's what you mean..
2006-06-06 06:49:59 · answer #4 · answered by reefshark111 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"retarders" are nothing more than a compression release from the engine. This compression release actually reduces power from the engine to slow the truck without having to use the brakes so much.
2006-06-06 06:46:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are talking about igniton retarders then it is the engine braking system (commonly called JAKES brakes). This is the thingy which makes the trucks give that terrible belching sound as they slow down. Check howstuffworks.com (search on Jakes brakes) if you want to know how it works.
2006-06-06 06:46:52 · answer #6 · answered by reggaekid 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What Are Retarders
2016-10-05 11:06:17 · answer #7 · answered by murrill 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the cargo of the trucks pulling out from the bible printing plants.
2006-06-06 06:42:29 · answer #8 · answered by sam21462 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋