ABSTRACT
A brake is a mechanical device that when used or activated inhibits motion of a moving body or system by absorbing its energy, stored during motion. It may be used for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, wheel or axle altogether, or to prevent its motion. A drum brake is one in which the friction is effected by a pair of brake shoes that press against the inner surface of a rotating drum. The drum is connected to the rotating wheel hub, say, in a vehicle. Hysteresis brakes are essentially a specially-designed electromagnetic device, similar to most other hysteresis machines, that produce torque strictly within a magnetic airgap, without the use of any friction pads or linings that characterise mechanical brakes over which they have several advantages, having far superior operating characteristics.
