The Influence of Pad Abutment on Brake Noise Generation

The paper overviews the modes of vibration of the principal component parts of a brake and their contribution to system instability during noise generation. It is shown that both in-plane and out-of-plane vibration are present and that both can be related to the vibration of the pad. It is further shown that the pad and its region often provide a solution or “fix” towards noise prevention and it is this area that forms the focus of this investigation. The collective evidence, proposals and associated theory are applied to real brake case studies when it is demonstrated that disc/pad interface “spragging” may be the source of brake noise. Measurements of the position of the dynamic centre of pressure (CoP) support the theoretical predictions that a leading CoP induces brake noise. Design proposals are suggested that may be applied early in the design phase as a means to reduce the propensity of a brake to generate noise.