Applied Engineering Letters

61-66

Authors: I. Kiss, V. Alexa, S. Ratiu

The choice of friction material can have a direct influence on the wear life of the brake block or wheel, which is typically much more expensive to replace. The classical cast iron brake block is gradually replaced by organic composite or sintered composite brake blocks. Nowadays,attention is devoted to solving problems connected with using modern brake materials and their impact on thermal and mechanical loading of railway wheels. In this paper, the investigated subjects are the gray cast iron brake shoes, with lamellar graphite and with high content of phosphorus (0.8–1.1%), according to requirements for the brake shoes related materials.

72-79

Authors: S. Veličković, S.Garić, B.Stojanović, A. Vencl

The paper provides an overview of tribological properties of nanocomposites with aluminium matrix. Nanocomposites represent a new generation of composite materials with better properties than conventional composite materials. The paper presents and explains the most common methods of nanocomposites production. In addition, the overview of tribological properties is presented through the equipment used for testing; amount, size and type of reinforcement; matrix material and manufacturing process; and test conditions.

85-90

Authors: A.Ašonja, J.Pekez, N.Janjić, D.Mikić

Constant increase in the number of people in the world today imposes the need for constant increase in food yield on the one side and energy on the other. The presented survey compiles two technological processes that use solar energy for their functioning. These are solar panels that produce electricity and agricultural production (seen through the irrigation process) which develops herbal mass (weight) by the means of photosynthesis. The aim of the research was to investigate the validity of applying solar energy in irrigation of perennial plants in fruit growing in the Republic of Serbia. This paper will explore the energy obtained from solar panels for irrigation purposes for the period (April-October) in which the requirements of plants for water are the highest. The justification for the application of solar energy in irrigation of perennial plants is compared, with the prices of diesel fuel and electricity from the network.