Abstract: An aircraft brake includes a stack of rotors and stators located between a backing plate and a pressure plate. A brake thermal sensor includes a probe carried by the backing plate generating a signal representing the temperature of a backing plate friction pad. A temperature indicator connected to the probe is actuated by the probe signal to monitor the temperature of the friction pad. The probe includes a heat conductor which conducts heat from the friction pad to a temperature responsive device embedded in the heat conductor. The temperature responsive device generates the probe signal. A spring is biased to maintain the heat conductor in engagement with the friction pad so that the friction pad temperature is continuously monitored. A heat insulator limits the heat loss from the heat conductor.

Abstract: A structurally strong heat insulator is depicted in the backing plate and pressure plate regions of an aircraft multiple disc brake assembly. The insulator is constructed from a plurality of perforated metal sheets in order to withstand the large compressive forces experienced during a brake application. The sheets are compiled randomly into an insulating stack which thereby offsets the holes in adjacent sheets. The holes decrease the surface area and the offset increases the heat conduction path, both which reduce the amount of heat cnducted through the stack.