How to Play a Disc Brake: A Dissipation-Induced Squeal

The eigenvalues of an elastic body of revolution, rotating about its axis of symmetry, form a ‘spectral mesh’. The nodes of the mesh in the plane ‘frequency’ versus ‘gyroscopic parameter’ correspond to the double eigenfrequencies. With the use of the perturbation theory of multiple eigenvalues, deformation of the spectral mesh caused by dissipative and non-conservative perturbations, originating from the frictional contact, is analytically described. The key role of indefinite damping and non-conservative positional forces in the development of the subcritical flutter instability is clarified. A clear mathematical description is given for the mechanism of excitation of particular modes of rotating structures in frictional contact, such as squealing disc brakes and singing wine glasses.