The Evolution of Automobile Brake Technology

June 20, 2011

From the time when humans first started using transportation vehicles, the necessity for brakes has existed. As mechanical automobiles started to replace horse-drawn carriages and other forms of transportation, speeds have improved. Because of this, braking machinery has had to carry on in order to provide motorists a superior standard in protection. At present, we use different kinds of brakes in our vehicles, drum brakes, disc brakes to anti-lock brakes and many more. The alternatives are many and it’s important that we all know more about the differences between different braking systems.

Most of the car brakes used in earlier models were a kind of drum brakes. A drum brake operates through a drum that is wrapped all-around an axle. When pressure is applied, commonly by using a metal band, the drum would compress all-around the axle, causing decreased speed. The problem with this type of brake was that it’d slip when wet. Because of this failure of drum brakes, disc brakes were crafted.

A disc brake operates by a group of shoes, or brake pads, that press against a disc that spins around with the vehicle’s wheels. This could be caused using mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electromagnetic power. A disc brake is commonly found within the wheel, following the tire. Because of increases in materials manufacturing technology, disc brakes have become a superior choice than drum brakes. Disc brakes use brake pads made of asbestos, ceramics, and a variety of other materials, giving them a longer running life.

By the way, disc brakes were not immune of problems, brake locking up sometimes caused trouble. Because of this, we required a superior brake system and anti-lock brake systems were invented. Anti-lock brake includes speed sensors, pumps, valves plus a controller. These things involuntarily fine-tune the brake pressure when stopping on slippery roads. Modern-day anti-lock brake systems are computer controlled, with every wheel with a sensor which finds out the needed braking pressure. Due to their near-perfect performance, anti-lock brake systems have become an imperative safety item in all current automobiles.

It doesn’t matter what kind of brakes you’ve got, it is important to ensure that they’re working in top form at all times to stay safe while driving. To make sure your car brakes are working well, you must often get the brakes checked by trained car mechanics. Mechanics know how various brake systems operate and can advise any required service to keep you safe on the road.

A Brief History of Astrology

September 7, 2009

The ancient Babylonians were probably the first to use Astrology. After that this science moved to countries like China and India. Greek astronomer Ptolemy was the first ever person to write a book on Astrology. He codified the sun sign astrology that we know today. Ptolemy tried to predict the positions of celestial bodies relative to each other and the earth through knowledge of their orbital motions. During his time, astrology was a part of astronomy. Later, astronomy became an exact science and Astrology remained a part of Theology. Planetary observation is the basis of Astrology.

History of Astrology is an important part of civilization and goes back to the early days of the human race. Apart from being centers of learning in medicine, Baghdad and Damascus were also known as centers of astrology and astronomy. Arabs were pioneers in astronomy before the advent of Islam. The Babylonians were the first to name the days of the week after the Sun, Moon, and planets. They were also the first to set out the twelve houses of the horoscope. Egypt was one of the most important places in the development of astrology. It is thought that some of the astrological signs of the zodiac originated in Egypt. Astrology was practiced even in the Vedic times in India. Astrology is one of the six disciplines of vedanga. The Hindus believe that human fortune or misfortune in life is due to karma, and karma is believed to be influenced by the movements of the planets. Among the Hindus, Brahmins are considered to be the best authorities on astrology. In Modern India too, astrology is extensively used to determine the future and improve life. Astrology is studied and practiced by many in India. It is regarded as vital in Indian culture. It is used to make decisions about marriage, starting of new business, and moving into a new house etc. Ancient Hindu Scriptures too gives a lot of importance to the various aspects of planetary motions and its effects on humans. Chinese astrology stresses on the five elements, metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Even the zodiac signs used by them are also different from other forms of astrology. China was isolated from the western for a long time. That is why Chinese astrology was unknown to the western world. As Chinese astrology developed independently, a lot of difference can be seen between the western concepts of astrology and the Chinese version. But the Chinese and Indian astrologers were in touch every now and then. Therefore, these two schools have a few things in common. In spite of the geographical isolation, there are a few surprising similarities between the western and the Chinese thoughts on astrology.