Brake vibration and noise: reviews, comments, and proposals

Automotive brake noise and vibration control have become increasingly important for the improvement of vehicle quietness and passenger comfort. Studies of the problem can be traced back as early as the mid-1950s, but progress has been mainly confined to the explanation of mechanisms and the identification of the sources of brake noise and vibration. Many aspects of the problem still remain unsolved because of the complexity of the problem itself. This paper presents a comprehensive review of previous research on brake noise and vibration. The previous studies on the sources and contributions of drum and disc brake noise and vibration, on the methods and mechanical models used in experimental, numerical and theoretical investigations, and on the materials for brake friction and damping applications are summarised and discussed. The opinions and suggestions of the authors are presented with emphasise on the computer models with dynamic friction considerations and on the potential application of advanced structural composites.