Issues and Tools in Prediction of Composite Loss Factors for the Brake Pad-Insulator System

This paper explores some tools used in the prediction of loss factors of a mounted insulator. Resonant test data across temperature and frequency are compared with both analytical and finite element prediction. Modeling and prediction for single-layer and multi-layer; low temperature, high temperature, and multi-temperature range type insulators is verified, and the limitations due to inherent variability of material properties are discussed. A beam representation is compared with an insulator-mounted brake pad in the identification of critical design factors that affect the composite loss factor. A significant issue in effectiveness of an insulator as a damper is its bonding with the backing plate, which is estimated using finite element analysis and testing. Finally the results of a DOE study exploring the benefits of selective de-bonding are presented.