Abstract: Transient temperature field of three kinds of C/C composites with different carbon matrix was simulated by means of finite element software ANSYSY during braking and was validated by braking test. The simulation results are consistent with the experiment data and high thermal gradient appears in the axis direction of the samples. The temperature field of the sample with resin-derived carbon matrix is similar to that of the sample with rough laminar (RL) pyrolytic carbon, while maximum temperature (T_max) and thermal gradient of the sample with resin-derived carbon are higher than those of the sample with RL pyrolytic carbon. The T_max and thermal gradient of the sample with smooth laminar (SL) pyrolytic carbon are the least, and it’s temperature rises to the maximum more slower. The transient temperature field of C/C composites is decided by their friction and thermal properties. With the braking power increasing，the T_max rises and the time to the T_max is shorten. Good thermal properties will improve the thermal transfer and reduce the thermal gradient.

Key words: carbon/carbon composite, matrix carbon, temperature field, braking