Can CO2 be used to cool a wheel with hot brakes?

Using CO2 to cool a wheel with hot brakes is not an effective method for several reasons. First, while CO2 can change states and produce a cooling effect when it expands, it does not have the capacity to absorb and dissipate heat from hot brakes efficiently. The primary purpose of using cooling agents is to transfer heat away to maintain optimal working temperatures in mechanical systems. In the case of hot brakes, utilizing CO2 could lead to rapid thermal contraction and potential damage to brake components due to the extreme temperature differences.

Unlike systems specifically designed to handle thermal exchange, CO2 is not formulated for such applications, thus rendering it ineffective as a cooling agent for hot brakes. Furthermore, the use of CO2 can pose safety risks, as it can inadvertently lead to additional problems, such as the freezing of components or the risk of carbon dioxide buildup in enclosed spaces, which can be dangerous for personnel. Therefore, it's essential to recognize that while cooling mechanisms are crucial for brakes, CO2 is not an appropriate choice for this purpose.