Investigation of the generation mechanism of squeal noise under non-negative damping conditions

Abstract

The traditionally known generation mechanism of squeal noise is generally agreed to be the negative damping theory, which is represented by the negative slope of friction creepage curve. Recently, however, it was found that squeal noise still can be generated when the negative slope is eliminated. To investigate this phenomenon, water-based and oil-based friction modifiers are applied on a test rig to create non-negative damping conditions. The adhesion ratios at various rolling speeds are measured, and it is found that the negative slopes of friction curves can be eliminated when using friction modifiers, but squeal noise still exists. To investigate this phenomenon, a model involving the effect of vertical dynamics on squeal noise is developed in this research. The results show that the involvement of vertical dynamics has negligible effect on wheel vibration velocity when the friction creepage curve has a negative slope. When the friction creepage curve has a zero or positive slope, however, the results show that a stable lateral vibration still can be generated when vertical dynamics is involved. The generation mechanism of wheel squeal involving vertical dynamics is illustrated from the perspective of power input. Furthermore, the sound pressure levels of squeal noise are simulated using this model and the results correlate well with experimental measurements. Therefore, the results indicate that the vertical dynamics may be the reason why squeal noise still exists under non-negative damping conditions.