If someone says there is such a thing as internally vs externally vented brake rotors (for cars) - what could they mean?
If you have a rotor formed by 2 plates, the plates separated by an air gap formed by a structural web or matrix or separators, then what additional aspect of their construction would lead to one being called an internally-vented rotor while a second would be called externally vented?
(supposedly for the LH-era 300m there was a difference between the PHP vs non-PHP option package in terms of the front rotors being internally vs externally vented, something that may or may not have any findable authoritative source...)
Brake rotors are discs that are attached to the wheels of a car and are used to slow down or stop the vehicle when the brake pads are pressed against them. Brake rotors can be vented or solid, depending on the design and purpose of the car. Vented rotors have air gaps between the two plates that allow air to flow through and cool down the rotor, while solid rotors are more compact and cheaper, but less effective at dissipating heat.
Vented rotors can be further classified into internally vented or externally vented, depending on the direction of the air flow. Internally vented rotors have curved vanes or fins that direct the air from the center of the rotor to the outer edge, creating a centrifugal force that increases the cooling effect. Externally vented rotors have straight or angled vanes that direct the air from the outer edge to the center of the rotor, creating a suction effect that also cools down the rotor.
The difference between internally and externally vented rotors is mainly related to the performance and efficiency of the braking system. Internally vented rotors are more common and suitable for most cars, as they provide better cooling and less noise than externally vented rotors. Externally vented rotors are more rare and specialized, and are usually found on high-performance or racing cars, as they offer more consistent braking and less fade than internally vented rotors.
The Chrysler 300M had different types of brake rotors depending on the option package. The Performance Handling Package (PHP) included externally vented rotors on the front wheels, while the non-PHP models had internally vented rotors. The PHP rotors were larger and heavier, and required a different caliper and bracket to fit. The PHP rotors were also more expensive and harder to find than the non-PHP rotors.
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