Abstract: A brake element and system where the brake friction surface of the element is a refractory metal carbide. The brake element has a molded carbon structure for mechanical and structural strength and the friction surface or surfaces thereon are converted to refractory metal carbide. The refractory metal carbide is preferably silicon carbide and the depth of conversion is preferably from 0.015 inches to 0.15 inches.

Abstract: A friction brake disc that has a pair of spaced annular surfaces with an inner and outer periphery. Slots within the disc and located either along the outer or inner periphery receive an insert for transferring the loading forces to the walls of the slot to prevent fraying, cracking or crumbling thereof. The inserts are U-shaped in configuration with recesses along the respective side edges of the leg members. Clips secured to the discs adjacent to the slots have curved portions projecting into the recesses to reatin the inserts in their respective slots while allowing some play to maintain full contact between the leg sections of the inserts with the side walls of the slots to minimize the concentration of forces transferred from the inserts to the discs.