The topic of friction induced vibration of disk brakes has been researched extensively and a variety of analytical models have been developed in the last five decades. Due to the geometric complexity of disk brakes, analytical modeling efforts in this field have been focused on lumped parameter models that approximate their vibrational dynamics. While these models are capable of predicting modal frequencies of automotive disk brakes reasonably well, they are limited in their ability to accurately predict the amplitudes of these modes and do not provide much useful insight into the dynamics of more complex disk brake designs, particularly those that are commonly used in aerospace applications. This research proposes a new hybrid lumped parameter-continuum model that treats brake rotor as a one-dimensional continuum and the brake stators as sprung lumped masses. This modeling approach addresses both of the shortcomings of existing lumped parameter modeling techniques and could potentially be used to facilitate the development of new disk braking system by greatly reducing the need for implementation of FEM studies in the early phases of new product development.
