Abstract
Current simulations of brake squeal noise require FEM models accurately correlated with the dynamic response of all components in order to produce good estimates of the squeal frequencies that may be generated. In the work presented herein, the simulation consists of performing an FEM model of a studied drum brake and its corresponding analysis based on complex modes calculation and their respective damping ratio. This approach is powerful, but it does not intuitively show the physical parameters that control brake squeal generation and tends to overestimate its occurrence. Thus, a more basic and intuitive method for squeal tendency would be very welcomed by the brake community. In this work, the elaborate method based on complex mode analysis for squeal prediction has been compared with a very simple semi-empirical model that can be derived from physical principles (the so called ‘stability map’ method). Both methodologies have been applied to calculate the influence that the extent of friction material on the brake shoe of the studied drum brake has on its tendency to generate squeal. The results from the above-mentioned calculation show that, using completely independent approach and methodology, both methods provide comparable results.