A New Analysis Method for Brake Squeal Part I: Theory for Modal Domain Formulation and Stability Analysis

The complex eigenvalue method is commonly used to evaluate brake squeal. This method however does not provide a way to account for variations in modeling, operation and manufacturing. Nor does it provide a clear strategy to fix brake squeal problems.

In this study, we present a new modeling approach, which addresses the modal uncertainty issues and provides a strategy to fix squeal problems. The major contribution of this paper is transferring the stability analysis from the physical domain to modal domain. By this transformation, we are able to examine the coupling strength between modes and locate the unstable modes that cause squeal problems. We develop a new stability metric based on the modal coupling strength, which can be used to evaluate design modifications for improvement and takes into account modal variation.