Noise Generation in Vehicle Brakes

Abstract

Noise and vibration have become key issues in the design of automotive braking systems. The main concern over the noise problem is that it can cause discomfort to passengers and pedestrians and hence, reduce the overall acceptability of the vehicle. Good knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the generation of brake noise has thus become an important competitive factor in the design of automotive brake systems. The present paper summarizes some facts and hypotheses concerning the generation of brake noise. The different brake noise phenomena are first classified. Then several approaches, including models of various levels of detail which have been suggested to explain the root causes of brake noise generation are discussed in detail.