Final answer:
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) allows drivers to apply maximum braking power without losing steering control. It works in conjunction with hydraulic brakes governed by Pascal's principle and is aided by tire-road friction which allows for handling curves at high speeds. Regenerative brakes also aid in vehicle deceleration by converting kinetic energy into electrical energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The system that allows the driver to apply maximum braking power without losing steering control is known as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby maintaining tractive contact with the road surface. It utilizes sensors and a control unit to monitor wheel speed and rapidly pumps the brakes during a hard stop to prevent wheel lock-up, allowing the driver to continue to steer effectively. Hydraulic brakes, which use Pascal's principle, also contribute to effective braking. When the driver exerts force on the brake pedal, this force is increased by a simple lever and then again by the hydraulic system. Each wheel cylinder receives the same pressure and therefore creates the same force output F2. The force applied on the pedal and the resultant braking power are in part due to the circular cross-sectional areas of the pedal and wheel cylinders, denoted by A1 and A2 respectively.
Furthermore, ideal speed is the maximum safe speed at which a vehicle can navigate a curve without relying on tire-road friction. This optimal speed takes into consideration the natural horizontal centripetal force acting on the vehicle. However, tire friction can allow a vehicle to take curves at significantly higher speeds. For example, the significance of tire friction is illustrated when vehicles navigate steeply banked and sharp curves at speeds higher than the ideal speed, such as at approximately 165 km/h.
Additionally, regenerative brakes are a type of braking system that converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, which can then be stored in a battery, contributing to the braking force of a vehicle.