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51 CHAPTER 3 MODAL ANALYSIS OF DISC BRAKE ASSEMBLY 3.1 INTRODUCTION Finite element analysis (FEA) is widely used to model the dynamic response of a structure and has the advantage that complex geometries can be accurately modeled. But accuracy of the FEA can be questionable and the reliability of the FE model must be validated by comparing the predicted results of natural frequencies and mode shapes of the FE model with the experimental results. In this chapter, FE models of the disc brake components and assembly are developed using FE software (ABAQUS 6-8). In order to ensure that accuracy of the FE model agree with those of the physical components, two validation stages are used through experimental measurements at both individual component and at assembly levels. First, FE modal analysis at the component level is carried out and simulated up to frequencies of 10 kHz. Then, the mesh sensitivity of the each disc brake components is considered. In order to correct the predicted frequencies with the experimental results, a FE updating is used to reduce relative errors between the two sets of results by tuning the material. Finally, the integrated brake assembly model is corrected with measured data using proper contact interaction between brake components. The methodology used for validation of FE model will be discussed in the following sections, as shown in Figure 3.1.

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CHAPTER 3

MODAL ANALYSIS OF DISC BRAKE ASSEMBLY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Finite element analysis (FEA) is widely used to model the dynamic

response of a structure and has the advantage that complex geometries can be

accurately modeled. But accuracy of the FEA can be questionable and the

reliability of the FE model must be validated by comparing the predicted

results of natural frequencies and mode shapes of the FE model with the

experimental results.

In this chapter, FE models of the disc brake components and

assembly are developed using FE software (ABAQUS 6-8). In order to ensure

that accuracy of the FE model agree with those of the physical components,

two validation stages are used through experimental measurements at both

individual component and at assembly levels. First, FE modal analysis at the

component level is carried out and simulated up to frequencies of 10 kHz.

Then, the mesh sensitivity of the each disc brake components is considered. In

order to correct the predicted frequencies with the experimental results, a FE

updating is used to reduce relative errors between the two sets of results by

tuning the material. Finally, the integrated brake assembly model is corrected

with measured data using proper contact interaction between brake

components. The methodology used for validation of FE model will be

discussed in the following sections, as shown in

Figure 3.1.

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Figure 3.1 Methodology adopted in validation of FE model

3.2 EXPERIMENTAL MODAL ANALYSIS

Experimental modal analysis (EMA) is one of the most useful areas

of structural dynamics testing. It is a technique which has been widely used in

structural engineering for finding the structure's dynamic characteristics under

real mechanical conditions by determining modal parameters, such as natural

frequencies, damping factors and mode shapes of a structure through

experiments, then using them to formulate a mathematical model for its

dynamic behavior. The formulated mathematical model is referred to as the

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modal model of the system and the information on the characteristics is

known as its modal data.

In the last three decades, there have been numerous applications of

modal analysis reported in literature covering wide areas of engineering,

science and technology. One common reason for experimental modal analysis

is the correction of the results of numerical methods. In practice, the accuracy

of FE models is often limited by uncertainties about the actual geometry and

material properties. For disc brake components, it is not possible to specify

their exact material properties or geometry. Uncertainties in material

properties or structural dimensions can be due to manufacturing and assembly

imperfections, or lack of knowledge of material properties and coupling

parameters between subsystems. Hence, experimental modal analysis is

necessary to correlate the measured vibration behaviour of disc brake

components with that predicted by FEA.

3.2.1 Equipment for Experimental Analysis

In this research, impact hammer, accelerometer and dynamic signal

analyzer (DSA) are used to conduct experimental modal analysis, as shown in

Figure 3.2. Frequency response functions (FRFs) are obtained by exciting the

individual disc brake components and assembly using impulse hammer. The

response for the given impulse is captured using an accelerometer. The

natural frequencies and mode shapes are obtained through dynamic signal

analyzer. In the following subsection, equipment used for experiments will be

discussed.

3.2.1.1 Impact hammer

Excitation of the structure is the most critical point of EMA. There

is a large variety of excitation techniques which can be used for obtaining

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structural response in modal testing. The choice of a particular excitation

technique depends on the size, and boundary conditions of the structure, the

excitation signal to be imparted, the required frequency range, the sensing

mechanism and the data analysis procedure (Sujatha 2010).

Figure 3.2 Experimental modal analysis set-up

For the excitation of the disc brake components and assembly, an

impact hammer (Kistler type 9722A) is used to make sure that enough energy

is put into the structural. The impact hammer consists of impact tip, force

sensor, balancing mass and handle. Impact tip is usually made of different

materials (steel, plastic, various rubbers) to satisfy the requirement of

frequencies of interest of the structure under test. The hard tip is selected, as

the solid metal structure like disc brake as all modes have higher frequency

above 200 Hz, by providing sufficient energy for high frequencies. The force

sensor is a piezoelectric transducer that is built into the hammer head to

capture the impact force. This transducer generates a charge which is

converted to a voltage which is used in the DSA.

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3.2.1.2 Accelerometer

For the present experiments, accelerometer (Kistler 8628 B50) with

sensitivity of 10mV/g is used. This accelerometer is attached to the disc brake

components by using beeswax. The mass of accelerometer is small to reduce

the inertia effect of the accelerometer. This accelerometer is used to measured

acceleration of disc brake components, in the form of voltage which is fed

directly to the DSA.

3.2.1.3 Dynamic signal analyzer

The measured signals are analysed by the DSA, where the

excitation and response signals from the hammer and the accelerometer are

acquired through a four-channel analyzer (DEWE-41-T-DSA). The sensitivity

information of the sensors is used to calculate the values for the acceleration

and the force. The DSA also performs the transformations to convert the

measured time domain signals into FRFs.

3.2.2 Experimental Procedure

Generally, the frequency domain of EMA can be classified into

three different types based on the number of FRF’s which are to be included

in the analysis (Ewins 2001). The simplest of the three methods is referred to

as SISO (Single Input, Single Output) which involves measuring a single FRF

for a single input given. A SISO data set is made of a set of FRFs which are

measured individually but sequentially at different points on the structure.

The second test method is referred to as SIMO (Single Input, Multiple

Output). This refers to a set of FRFs measured simultaneously at different

locations for a single input given at a specific location. The third method is

referred to as MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) in which the FRF’s at

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various points are measured simultaneously while the structure is excited at

several points simultaneously.

In this experimental method, SISO method is adopted to perform

EMA. The modal testing based on SISO method can be performed in two

ways. One is known as the roving hammer technique and the other is roving

accelerometer technique. Both the techniques rely on the principle of

Maxwell’s reciprocity theorem (Roa 2004). The roving hammer technique is

adopted in this research to perform modal test, this means that the

accelerometer location is stationary and the impact location is changed.

3.2.3 Performing Impact Hammer Test

Before starting the test, two issues need to be considered. The first

one is to identify a suitable location for mounting the accelerometer and to

identify various locations on the structure to excite it using the impact

hammer. Choosing a proper location for the accelerometer is a very important

because, if the accelerometer is mounted at a location least disturbed by the

excitation, then it will become difficult to measure FRFs properly. The

location should be at that point of the structure where a high response of the

structure is expected. The location for mounting the accelerometer is decided

by analyzing the mode shapes of the structure obtained through FEA.

The second issue in the modal testing is to determine the tip of the

impact hammer which is used for exciting the structure. The head tip to be

used for exciting the structure should activate as many natural frequencies as

possible. This depends on the time duration of the exciting impulse. If the

time duration of the exciting impulse is too large, then the frequency-

spectrum curve which shows the variation of the exciting impulse with

respect to the frequency will decrease rapidly thereby making the measured

FRF unreliable.

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3.2.4 Extraction of Modal Parameters

In order to extract modal parameters (natural frequency, damping

factor and mode shape) the geometry of the disc brake components is created

in commercial software (DEWE/FRF) to define the various points on which

excitation is given in the experimental and the points at which response is

measured. Once the geometry is created, the measured FRFs are given as

input at the respective points at which they are measured. The extraction of

modal parameters from the measured FRFs is a curve fitting problem. Many

curve fitting methods are available but for the present application, circle

fitting method is adopted to extract the mode shapes and natural frequencies

from the geometry. The modal peak function is calculated by summing

together the real parts, imaginary parts or magnitudes of all transfer functions

in the data block file that is being curve fitted. In this study, the modal peak

function is found to be the most appropriate which can be easily reveal the

natural frequencies of the structures for further study and validate with FE

results.

In experimental modal testing, one of the tools used to ensure the

quality of the acquired signal is coherence (Ewins 2001). Coherence can have

a maximum value of one and a minimum value of zero. Coherence value of

one indicates that the response measured is entirely due to the given input

excitation and value of zero indicates that the measured response is entirely

due to some other excitation than the given excitation. From Figure 3.3, it can

be seen that for the frequency range of interest up to 10 kHz, the coherence

function is one for all the trials conducted. Hence the measured response is

taken as the result of given input excitation.

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Figure 3.3 Overview of DEWE/FRF during EMA

3.2.5 Results of Experimental Modal Analysis

There are two types of experimental measurements which are

conducted. The first is component level measurement using the free-free

boundary condition which allows the structure to vibrate without interference

from other parts, making easier visualization of mode shapes associated with

each natural frequency and validation of corresponding FE model. This is

implemented by placing the components on a sheet of foam insulation during

the testing. The other is assembly level test, using the actual boundary

conditions. This is carried out by exciting the brake assembly under applied

pressure.

3.2.5.1 Experimental modal analysis of brake components

Experimental modal analysis of the rotor, pad, caliper, piston,

anchor bracket and steering knuckle is conducted and analysed individually

with free-free boundary.

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(i) Rotor

The modal analysis of rotor plays an important role in

understanding the disc brake squeal problem. It exhibits different types of

vibration modes, but it can be generally classified as in-plane and out-of-plane

mode. The rotor grid is constructed with 192 points arranged along 24 lines

radiating from the centre of the rotor at an angular spacing of 15°. Each line

contains 7 excited points and one response point, as shown in Figure 3.4.

Measurements are taken at the response point 6 in z (axial)

direction, while the excitation is applied with the impact hammer in the z and

y directions at the other points. As a result, direct measurement of only out-of-

plane and radial in-plane modes is possible. The vibration responses at all the

nodes are measured with accelerometers. The modal parameters are

determined using the software (DEWE/ FRF) and bending modes have the

highest modal peaks. Figure 3.5 shows the experimental FRF of the rotor.

Figure 3.4 Location of excitation and response points of brake rotor

0

2

4

6

8

0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000

Frequency (Hz)

Am

plitu

de

(m

/s^2

)/N

Figure 3.5 FRF results of the rotor

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(ii) Brake pad

The modal analysis of the pad is carried out on the backing plate of

the pad. The pad grid consisted of 17 points, the accelerometer fixed at

middle point and the excitation in out-of-plane direction is applied to the rest

of points. It is found that only two bending modes are identified over the

frequency range, as shown in Figure 3.6.

0

2

4

6

0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000

Frequency (Hz)

Am

plitu

de

(m

/s^2

)/N

Figure 3.6 FRF results of brake pad

(iii) Caliper

The caliper grid consisted of 30 points at different position on the

outer surface in all three coordinates. The accelerometer is fixed at the middle

surface of the caliper housing and excitation is conducted on all points to

capture as much of the vibration characteristics as possible. Figure 3.7 shows

the experimental FRF of the caliper.

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0

2

4

6

8

0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000

Frequency (Hz)

Am

plitu

de

(m

/s^2

)/N

Figure 3.7 FRF results of the caliper

(iv) Anchor bracket

The anchor bracket grid is constructed for 22 points and the

measurement is conducted in all three coordinates on the outer surface of the

bracket. Figure 3.8 shows the experimental FRF of the anchor bracket.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000

Frequency (Hz)

Am

plitu

de

(m

/s^2

)/N

Figure 3.8 FRF results of the bracket

(v) Knuckle assembly

Knuckle assembly consists of steering knuckle and wheel hub. The

accelerometer is fixed on wheel hub and excitation is made on the outer

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surface of the assembly. Figure 3.9 shows the experimental FRF of the

knuckle assembly.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000

Frequency (Hz)

Am

plitu

de

(m

/s^2

)/N

Figure 3.9 FRF results of the knuckle assembly

(vi) Piston

From the modal analysis of the piston, it is found that only one

natural frequency at 7287 Hz appears within the frequency of interest.

Figure 3.10 shows FRF results of piston.

0

10

20

30

0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000

Frequency (Hz)

Am

plitu

de

(m

/s^2

)/N

Figure 3.10 FRF results of piston

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3.2.5.2 Experimental modal analysis of disc brake assembly

When the brake system works under applied pressure, the dynamics

of the brake components are changed significantly. In this section, the

individual components are fixed on a brake test rig under applied pressure

using hydraulic pump and pressure gauge as shown in Figure 3.11. Measurements

are confined to the rotor surface. The experimental set-up otherwise is the

same as for the rotor. The excitation is applied with the impact hammer in the

normal direction. Figure 3.12 FRF results of the brake assembly.

Figure 3.11 Experimental modal analysis of disc brake assembly

0

2

4

6

0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000

Frequency (Hz)

Am

plitu

de

(m

/s^2

)/N

Figure 3.12 FRF results of the brake assembly

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3.3 MODAL ANALYSIS USING FINITE ELEMENT

TECHNIQUE

The key to the success of the prediction of squeal is the correlation

between physical tests and virtual FE modeling, at both component and

assembly level. A three-dimensional FE model of a ventilated disc brake

corner is developed and validated for identifying and fixing brake squeal

problem in the earlier design stages. Figure 3.13 shows the 3-deminsional FE

model of the disc brake corner.

For the purpose of this study, the development of finite element

meshes for each brake components using the software (ABAQUS) is briefly

described. Detailed descriptions about the dynamic characteristics of FE

models validated through experimental modal analysis are also made.

Figure 3.13 Details of the FE model of disc brake corner

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3.3.1 Mesh Sensitivity

The accuracy of the results of FEM is very much dependent on the

mesh size of models. A mesh sensitivity calculation is used to decide the

optimum number of elements in the FE model. Two different mesh sizes are

applied to the same structure, where two modal data sets can be obtained. The

natural frequency differences between the same modes of these two sets can

then be used to determine the convergence frequency range. If the results are

nearly similar, then the coarse mesh is good enough for that particular

geometry, loading and constraints. If the results differ by a large amount

however, it will be necessary to use a finer mesh for further iteration.

The mesh sensitivity is conducted on disc brake components with

three different levels of mesh density, coarse, fine and very fine mesh. The

results in Table 3.1 show that the natural frequency difference between the

same modes when three different meshes are applied in the FE model of the

rotor. It can be seen that the maximum difference in natural frequency, in the

frequency range of interest (0-10 kHz), is less than 5%, which is an

acceptable value.

Table 3.1 Natural frequency difference with different mesh densities

Mode No.

Coarse mesh

1256 element

Fine mesh

2559 element

Very fine mesh

5137 elementDifference ratio

Natural frequency (Hz) Fine- very fine

1,2 1473 1453 1430 1.5%

3,4 3289 3225 3133 2.8%

5,6 5169 5062 4887 3.4%

7,8 7234 7067 6799 3.8%

9,10 9421 9170 8788 4.1%

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3.3.2 FE Model Updating

The aim of FE updating is to reduce maximum relative errors

between the predicted and experimental results. In some cases, it is not

possible to know exact material properties of many dynamic structures due to

a number of factors such as variation in material properties, geometry

dimensions or changes in the excitation over time. Changes in excitations

over time can be caused by wear or fatigue. Uncertainties in material

properties or structural dimensions can be due to manufacturing and assembly

imperfections, or imprecise knowledge of material properties and coupling

parameters between subsystems.

There are a number of researchers used EMA to validate their

models. For example, Kung et al (2000) validated the major brake

components. Maximum difference between experimental and FE modal for

the rotor is 7%, the brake pad is 4% and the caliper is 5 % while other brake

components and assembly were not considered. Abu Baker (2005) conducted

FE modal analysis and compared the predicted result with experimental

results that were given by James (2003). He found that the maximum relative

error for brake assembly is 5.2 % and the rotor is 1% while the other

components were validated by an industry source. Papinniemi (2008) found

that the error between the FE and the experimental values are within 3% for

the bracket except for the mode predicted at 936 Hz is 8.3%, caliper 4.6%,

pad 3.1% and the rotor within 5% except for the mode at 2214 Hz is 10.1%.

Recently, Hassan et al (2009) used a simplified FE model (rotor and brake

pads). He found that the maximum difference between FE and experimental

results of the brake Pad at 5.2 kHz is 7.47% and the rotor at 3.5 kHz is 2.57%.

In this work, due to uncertainties in material properties of the brake

components, FE updating technique based on the tuning material is used. This

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method was used by many researchers to obtain exact material properties of

the brake components (Liles 1989, Richmond et al 1996, Dom et al 2003,

Goto et al 2004, Abu Bakar 2005, Papinniemi 2008, Hassan et al 2009). The

densities are acquired from measurement of the mass and determination

volume of each component from the CAD geometry. The Young’s moduli are

obtained from modal testing results and the Poisson’s ratio is the last variable

to be adjusted, which has a much smaller effect than the density or the

Young’s modulus. The baseline material properties of the disc brake

components after FE updating are listed in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2 Material properties of disc brake component

ComponentsDensity

(kg m-3

)

Young’s modulus

(GPa)

Poisson’s

ratio

Rotor 7155 125 0.23

Friction material 2045 2.6 0.34

Back plate 7850 210 0.3

Caliper 7005 171 0.27

Anchor bracket 7050 166 0.27

Steering knuckle 7625 167 0.29

Wheel hub 7390 168 0.29

Piston 8018 193 0.27

Guide pin 2850 71 0.3

Bolts 7860 210 0.3

3.3.3 FE Modal Results

FE modal analysis of the disc brake components and assembly is

conducted in order to find natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes.

The results are presented in the form of displacement contour to indicate

maximum (anti-node) and minimum (node) amplitudes, as shown in Figure

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3.14. The node and anti-node should appear in the response frequency

diagram as peak and anti-peak.

Figure 3.14 Vibration mode of brake rotor

3.3.3.1 FE modal analysis of brake components

(i) Rotor

After conducting mesh sensitivity calculation the final FE model of

the rotor consists of 2559 solid elements of type C3D8 with 4988 nodes. With

this FE model modal analysis is carried on the rotor. There are number of

natural frequencies and mode shapes exhibited in the FE results. However,

only nodal diameter (ND) type mode shapes are considered to compare with

experimental results, as illustrated in Figure 3.15.

Rotors are always one of the key factors in brake squeal. Squeal

frequencies are often at or close to rotor’s resonant frequencies. The rotor is

made of cast iron; the Young’s modulus of cast iron depends on carbon

content, and, to a lesser extent, silicon content. The most reliable way to set

the material properties is to tune them to the experimentally determined

modal properties. Based on the tuning process for the rotor properties, the

predicted results are close to the measured as shown in Table 3.3.

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Mode shape at 1453 Hz Mode shape at 3225 Hz

Mode shape at 5062 Hz Mode shape at 7067 Hz

Mode shape at 9170 Hz

Figure 3.15 Rotor brake natural frequencies and mode shapes

(ii) Brake pad

The brake pad consists of two parts: the friction material and a stiff

back plate. The back plate is made of steel and serves to support the friction

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material, which is a complex composite material of about 20 ingredients. In

the FE model, the friction material are assumed to be linear isotropic, as

presented by (Kung et al 2000, Liu et al 2007, Hassan et al 2009).

The finite element model of brake pad consists of 553 solid

elements type C3D8 and 1084 nodes. For validation, the standard values of

steel properties are used for back plate, and tuning material is examined for

friction material. The natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes

obtained from the FE model are shown in Figure 3.16. The mode shapes for

the brake pad are very similar to bending and twisting modes of beams. A

comparison of the brake pad frequencies from FE model compared to those

found in experimental modal testing are listed in Table 3.3.

First bending mode at 2889 Hz First twisting mode at 4460 Hz

Second bending mode at 6735 Hz Second twisting mode at 8976 Hz

Figure 3.16 Pad brake natural frequencies and mode shapes

(iii) Caliper

The FE model of the caliper consists of 2334 solid elements and

2370 nodes. The caliper is made of ductile cast iron. The modal analysis is

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conducted and the frequencies and shape modes are obtained as shown in

Figure 3.17. Material properties are adjusted to match modal frequencies of

FEA and EMA results by using the same steps used for validation of the rotor.

The results of the predicted results show good agreement with the measured

data as shown in Table 3.3.

Mode shape at 2293 Hz Mode shape at 3964 Hz

Mode shape at 5667 Hz Mode shape at 6587 Hz

Mode shape at 8221 Hz

Figure 3.17 Caliper natural frequencies and mode shapes

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(iv) Anchor bracket

The FE model of anchor bracket consists of 1036 solid elements

and 1644 nodes. Figure 3.18 shows the natural frequencies and mode shapes

of the bracket. A comparison of the anchor bracket frequencies obtained from

FEA is done with those found in experimental modal test is given in Table 3.3.

Mode shape at 880 Hz Mode shape at 1755 Hz

Mode shape at 3164 Hz Mode shape at 4680 Hz

Mode shape at 7533 Hz Mode shape at 9262 Hz

Figure 3.18 Anchor bracket natural frequencies and mode shapes

(v) Knuckle assembly

The FE model of the steering knuckle which consists of 9868 solid

elements and 3585 nodes is created and merged with wheel hub model which

consists of 1654 solid elements types C3D8 and 2786 nodes. The FE modal

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analysis is conducted on the knuckle assembly and the mode shapes are

plotted in Figure 3.19. Comparison between the FE and experimental modal

analysis is listed in Table 3.3. It is found that there is a good agreement

between the two results.

Mode shape at 1211 Hz Mode shape at 2242 Hz

Mode shape at 4421 Hz Mode shape at 6389 Hz

Mode shape at 7992 Hz Mode shape at 8665 Hz

Figure 3.19 Knuckle assembly natural frequencies and mode shapes

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(vi) Piston

The FE model of piston consists of 357 solid elements types C3D8

and 576 nodes. Figure 3.20 shows mode shape at frequency of 7392 Hz.

There is only one natural frequency of the piston in the range of interest. The

predicted result from FEA is compared with experimental modal analysis and

it is found that a good agreement with the predicted and measured data.

Figure 3.20 Piston mode shape at 7392 Hz

(vii) Guide-pin and bolts

For this component, only the mesh sensitivity is used to validate the

bolts and guide pin due to difficulty to get acceptable results using

experimental test. From the FE modal analysis, there are two modes found

within the frequency range of interest, as shown in Figure 3.21.

Mode shape at 4709 Hz Mode shape at 9960 Hz

Figure 3.21 Guide-pin and bolts natural frequencies and mode shapes

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Table 3.3 Comparison between experimental and FE results of brake

components

Components Mode Exp. (Hz) FE (Hz) Error (%)

Rotor

1 1464 1453 -0.7

2 3198 3225 0.8

3 4992 5062 1.4

4 6958 7067 1.5

5 9020 9170 1.6

Anchor bracket

1 878 880 0.2

2 1770 1755 -0.8

3 3341 3164 -5.2

4 4675 4680 0.01

5 7067 7533 6.5

6 9387 9262 -1.3

Caliper

1 2282 2293 -1.7

2 3769 3960 5

3 5651 5667 0.2

4 6909 6587 -4.6

5 8569 8221 -4.0

Brake Pad1 2819 2889 2.4

2 7067 6735 -4.6

piston 1 7287 7392 1.4

Steering knuckle

and wheel hub

1 1232 1211 -1.7

2 2138 2242 4.8

3 4856 4421 -8.9

4 6401 6389 0

5 8214 7995 -2.6

6 8856 8665 -2.2

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3.3.3.2 FE modal analysis of brake assembly

In this stage of analysis, all the brake components models are

integrated together to form an assembly model and all boundary conditions

and component interfaces are considered. In the FE assembly model, disc

brake components are generally assembled by friction springs through a

number of imaginary linear spring elements, as shown in Figure 3.22(a). In

recent years, an alternative method associated with the direct connection of

brake components have been suggested, thus eliminating the "imaginary

springs", as shown in Figure 3.22(b).

The software used for this study (ABAQUS 6-8) provides three

algorithms to represent interface between contact pairs. They are gap contact

elements, surface-to-surface contact interaction and surface-to-node contact

interaction. Direct contact interaction between disc brake components is

represented by a combination of node-to-surface and surface-to-surface

contact elements. The surface of the rotor is defined as the master surface,

since it has a coarser mesh than the pad and the rotor is a stiffer material. The

pad is consequently selected as the slave surface. For each node on the

“slave” surface software algorithm finds the closest point on the “master”

surface of the contact pair where the master surface's normal passes through

the node on the slave surface, as shown in Figure 3.22(b). Hence a mesh

matching approach is not required for direct contact. A uniform pressure of 1

MPa is applied on the pads’ back plates. FE modal analysis then is conducted

on the assembly model by considering all boundary conditions and

interactions between all components. The natural frequencies and

corresponding mode shapes obtained from the FE model are shown in

Figure 3.23. As shown in Table 3.4 a good agreement is found between the

predicted results and the measured ones.

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(a) Spring contact (b) Direct contact

Figure 3.22 Spring contact and direct contact between disc brake

Mode shape at 1562 Hz Mode shape at 3174 Hz

Mode shape at 5184 Hz Mode shape at 6597 Hz

Mode shape at 9452 Hz

Figure 3.23 Brake assembly natural frequencies and mode shapes

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Table 3.4 Modal results of the brake assembly

Mode Exp. (Hz) FE (Hz) Error (%)

1 1611 1562 -3

2 3222 3174 -1.4

3 5065 5184 2.3

4 6933 6597 -4.8

5 9020 9452 4.7

3.4 CONCLUDING REMARKS

In this chapter, a comprehensive method for conducting modal

analysis on a disc brake by both FE and experimental methods is described.

The natural frequencies and mode shapes extracted from the FE model of the

components and assembly are found to be in good agreement with those

found from the experimental method and hence could be used for further

dynamic simulation studies to investigate brake squeal problems much earlier

in the design cycle.