Vibration Analysis of a Brake Disc

Automobiles are exposed to a wide range of forces during operation. Vibrations originating from the engine or the road surface are transmitted through the vehicle’s chassis and suspension to one of its most critical mechanical components, the brake system.

In this example, a 14-inch brake disc from a heavy-duty truck was excited using a small impact hammer to analyze the vibration modes of the rotor. The three-dimensional operational deflection shapes were clearly identified and measured using the VIC-3D HS Vibration Analysis System. Vibration amplitudes as small as 40 nanometers were successfully resolved at frequencies of approximately 2,000 Hz.