Wheel squeal noise: A simplified model to simulate the effect of rolling speed and angle of attack

Abstract

The sound pressure level of wheel squeal has been shown to increase with angle of attack and rolling speed in both field and laboratory tests. However, the exact causes behind the manner of increase are still unknown. To investigate this, a simplified analytical vibration model in the time domain is integrated with nonlinear rolling contact theory developed for wheel squeal. This model is used to simulate the vibration velocity of a test rig wheel at different rolling speeds and angles of attack. The simulated vibration velocities correlate well in the trend with the recorded sound pressure levels of wheel squeal in laboratory tests. Lateral creepage and force at various angles of attack and rolling speeds in the rolling contact are simulated. It is found that due to the interaction of wheel vibration, lateral force and creepage, the vibration velocity amplitude of the wheel increases with angle of attack and rolling speed. The generation mechanism of wheel squeal is explained from the view of energy input per cycle of vibration. Furthermore, the reasons why the sound pressure levels of wheel squeal increase with rolling speed and angle of attack are investigated, and these phenomena are explained theoretically based on energy input and the nonlinear creep behaviour.