Brake Squeal Analysis by Using Nonlinear Transient Finite Element Method

A nonlinear transient finite element method was developed to analyze brake squeal occurrence. It overcomes the drawbacks associated with the conventional methods such as modal analysis and complex eigenvalue analysis. It includes the prediction of contact surface variation during the braking process and the complex friction phenomena at rotor-pad interfaces. A new solid element was also developed to suit the brake squeal analysis. A fast Fourier transformation (FFT) was employed to convert the results in the time domain generated from nonlinear transient analysis into the frequency domain to identify the frequencies associated with noise. Good correlation, between the squeal frequencies predicted by the proposed method and those obtained from tests, has been established.