Reducing Brake Squeal through FEM Approach and Parts Design Modifications

Nowadays, brake squeal noise is one of the most difficult problems and is a big issue in the automobile industry. Finite element analysis is a useful tool in predicting the noise occurrence of a conventional brake system during the design stage. This paper explains the technical procedure and method to resolve the squeal noise with commercial software programs. Friction coefficient under the operating conditions of the brake system was considered as a variable with respect to disc velocity and there was a dynamic behavior within the pad assembly during brake action. First of all, our Finite Element (FE) model was verified using the results of the parts and assembly's FRF measurements and an inertia noise dynamometer, followed by complex eingen value analysis to detect unstable frequencies. Subsequently, mode analysis was conducted for each part of the brake system through the MAC values. As a result, the most influential part of the brake system in reducing the brake squeal was found and was verified by reanalyzing the modified brake system.