Numerical investigation of material properties and operating parameters effects in generating motorcycle break squeal using the finite element method

Abstract

One of the factors of influence on driver comfort is undoubtedly the noise. The noise generated by the brake, in addition to causing discomfort, can cause uncertainty as to the existence of mechanical failure in the brake system. Among the types of noise related to disc brakes, what has been generating a greater interest of researchers is squeal noise. This research paper is concerned with the disc brake squeal problem for motorcycles. The aim of the present research is developing a finite element model of the motorcycle disc brake in order to improve the understanding of the influence of material and operational parameters on squeal generation. Stability analysis of the disc brake assembly was accomplished to find unstable frequencies. A parametric study was carried out to investigate the effect of changing Young’s modulus of the disc, back plate, friction material and operational parameters, as rotational velocity of the disc, pressure and temperature, on squeal generation. The results of simulation indicated that material and operational parameters play a substantial role in generating the squeal noise.