Direct Finite Element Analysis on Disc Brake Squeal Using the ABLE Algorithm

The direct finite element analysis (FEA) approach for disc brake squeal prediction is presented in this paper. A linear model is developed to include the impact of negative μ-v slope on brake systems noise performance. The recently-developed iterative algorithm - ABLE, is used to solve the resulting large-scale complex eigenvalue problems on a PC. Efficiency and effectiveness of the algorithm are discussed. Good correlations are achieved between simulation and measurement, both in squeal frequencies and corresponding unstable modal shapes. Initial study has also validated the conventional wisdom that negative μ-v slope can cause more system instabilities.