Abstract
One of the most critical requirements for safety in vehicles is the availability of reliable braking systems.
Most heavy vehicles in Zimbabwe employ the conventional hydraulic braking system. However changes
and improvements in technology have seen the introduction of retarders that make use of magnets and eddy
currents. The new technology is friction free but still deemed expensive and thus not yet readily acceptable
to vehicle manufacturers for fears of reliability and cost. Hydraulic brakes are equally expensive in the long
run owing to maintenance and frequent replacement of brake pads and rotors, particularly in Zimbabwe
where the road infrastructure has deteriorated significantly over the years. A case study was carried out at
a Zimbabwean company which specializes in the sales, service and backup of Scania heavy vehicles, with
a special focus on the braking systems. The aim of the research was to conceptualize and compare various
options and concepts of the eddy current retarders. Analysis for the chosen option were made for reliability
and efficiency using an industrial engineering approach, with the objective of supplementing hydraulic
brakes and recommending the sustainable use of such technology to the company and thereby dispelling
any fears of reliability and cost.