Parameter Determination of a Minimal Model for Brake Squeal

In the research into the mechanism of brake squeal, minimal models with two degrees of freedom (DoFs) are widely used. Compared with the finite element method, the minimal model is more concise and efficient, making it easier to analyze the effect of parameters. However, how to accurately determine its kinetic parameters is rarely reported in the literature. In this paper, firstly, the finite element model of a disc brake is established and the complex eigenvalue analysis (CEA) is carried out to obtain unstable modes of the brake. Then, an unstable mode with seven nodal diameters predicted by CEA is taken as an example to establish the 2-DoF model. In order that the natural frequency, Hopf bifurcation point and real parts of eigenvalues of the minimal model coincide with that of the unstable mode with seven nodal diameters, the response surface method (RSM) is applied to determine the kinetic parameters of the minimal model. Finally, the parameter-optimized minimal model is achieved. Furthermore, the negative slope of friction-velocity characteristic is introduced into the model, and transient analysis (TA) is used to study the effect of braking velocity on stability of the brake system. The results show that the brake system becomes unstable when braking velocity is lower than a critical value. The lower the velocity is, the worse the stability appears, and the higher the brake squeal propensity is.