Friction-induced vibration for an aircraft brake system - Part 1: Experimental approach and stability analysis

Friction-induced vibrations are a major concern in a wide variety of mechanical systems. This is especially the case in aircraft braking systems where the problem of unstable vibrations in disk brakes has been studied by a number of researchers. Solving potential vibration problems requires experimental and theoretical approaches. A non-linear model for the analysis of mode aircraft brake whirl is presented and developed based on experimental observations. The non-linear contact between the rotors and the stators, and mechanisms between components of the brake system are considered. Stability is analyzed by determining the eigenvalues of the Jacobian matrix of the linearized system at the equilibrium point. Linear stability theory is applied in order to determine the effect of system parameters on stability. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.