Effect of yaw angle misalignment on brake noise and brake time in a pad-on-disc-type apparatus with unidirectional compliance for pad support

• Braking tests were conducted using a novel pad-on-disc-type brake apparatus.
• The apparatus uses a “misalignment angle” to suppress the frictional vibration.
• When we choose an appropriate misalignment angle, the brake noise is minimized.
• When the brake noise is minimized, the brake time is also minimized.
• Thus a good low-noise performance is achieved with a good braking performance.

A pad-on-disc-type brake apparatus was constructed based on a theoretical principle for suppressing frictional vibration. The pad for this apparatus was supported by parallel leaf springs with a unidirectional compliance. Braking tests were conducted using the apparatus under a constant normal load. It has been found that a yaw angle misalignment between the directions of the pad and disc motions provides a positive damping to suppress the frictional vibration and brake noise. In addition, it has been also found that when an appropriate misalignment angle is selected, a low-noise performance and a good braking performance can be achieved simultaneously.