Eliminating high frequency vibrations during braking is an important task for both vehicle passenger comfort and reducing the overall environmental noise levels.
Modeling of the disc brake assembly to take account of the effect of different geometrical and contact parameters on its stability is studied through the use of seven degrees of freedom multi-body model. Linear simulation technique is used to define the system stability.
In this study, time domain response of the brake assembly is calculated and the vibration modes of the pad, disc, piston and caliper are identified through the used simulation technique.
The effect of some geometrical and contact parameters on the stability of the system have been studied. The selection of the position of load application by the piston is found to have substantial importance. An optimum piston position has been suggested in this work at which, minimum vibration levels have been achieved. A number of unstable modes have been obtained when setting the distance of load application around that optimum position. Possible wear and misalignment of piston components during brake service life may lead to generate such unstable modes.
The rotational contact stiffness of the caliper plays an important role in controlling brake vibration and stability. Therefore, a recommendation of using suitable material pair at the caliper/body contact has been made. The influence of other parameters such as, disc rotational stiffness, coefficients of friction between disc/pad and pad/piston on the brake stability is also investigated and discussed. Finally suggestions for further future work are given.