Finite element analysis of disc brake squeal and its suppression approach

Abstract

Brakes squeal have been, and remains to be, one of the major NVH challenges in brake system design and development in the automotive industry. Typically, there are three methods available to study disc brake squeal namely, experimental, numerical and analytical approaches. These approaches have their advantages and disadvantages to suppress and/or eliminate squeal. This paper attempts to suppress disc brake squeal through structural modification using the finite element method. First, a three dimensional finite element (FE) model of a real disc brake assembly is developed and validated. Then, complex eigenvalue analysis is performed to predict squeal frequency of the disc brake assembly. Finally, various structural modifications are proposed in order to reduce or eliminate disc brake squeal and these include modifications made on the brake pad, the disc rotor and the caliper