Brake Squeal: Modeling and Energy Harvesting

Abstract

This dissertation aims at developing the fundamentals necessary for mitigating the adverse effect of vibration and noise induced by brake squeal. Such a process is achieved by embedding an array of piezoceramics into the brake system which are provided with shunted electrical networks. These piezoceramic networks offer a unique ability to convert the mechanical energy induced by the brake squeal into electrical energy which can be either harnessed to harvest the squeal energy or dissipated to enhance the damping characteristics of the brake system. A multi-field finite element model (FEM) is developed to simulate the vibration, energy harvesting, and energy dissipation characteristics of a brake/piezoceramic networks assembly. The developed FEM is intended to establish the stability limits and the boundaries of the brake squeal of the system in an attempt to optimize the parameters that broadens the operation envelope of the system without the occurrence of the squeal. The theoretical predictions of the FEM are validated against the performance characteristics of an experimental prototype of the system which is capable of reproducing the important features of brake squeal. It is envisioned that the developed theoretical and experimental methods will present invaluable tools for understanding, analyzing, and mitigating the phenomenon of brake squeal. More importantly, these methods will provide important means for the design of automotive disc brake systems that can operate over broad ranges of operating parameters without experiencing the adverse effects of brake squeal.