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Old 03-21-13 | 03:04 PM
  #9  
hamster
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Escondido, CA
It's only 2800 W in the first instant, less after that, and it's only for a couple of seconds. Total energy released by stopping from 25 mph is 2.8 kJ per wheel (most of it heats the rim and the tire, some heats the pavement.) It's not a lot. Releasing 2.8 kJ into a 500 g aluminum rim will heat it by about 6 degrees Celsius (10 F).

In practice, the front wheel heats more and the rear wheel heats less. The harder you brake, the bigger the disparity. (But that's minor details.)

Last edited by hamster; 03-21-13 at 03:18 PM.
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