Prediction of Squeal Noise Based on Multiresolution Signal Decomposition and Wavelet Representation—Application to FEM Brake Systems Subjected to Friction-Induced Vibration

This paper is devoted to discussion of the efficiency of reduced models based on a Double Modal Synthesis method that combines a classical modal reduction and a condensation at the frictional interfaces by computing a reduced complex mode basis, for the prediction of squeal noise of mechanical systems subjected to friction-induced vibration. More specifically, the use of the multiresolution signal decomposition of acoustic radiation and wavelet representation will be proposed to analyze details of a pattern on different observation scales ranging from the pixel to the size of the complete acoustic pattern. Based on this approach and the definition of specific resulting criteria, it is possible to quantify the differences in the representation of the acoustic fields for different reduced models and thus to perform convergence studies for different scales of representation in order to evaluate the potential of reduced models. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is tested on the finite element model of a simplified brake system that is composed of a disc and two pads. The contact is modeled by introducing contact elements at the two friction interfaces with the classical Coulomb law and a constant friction coefficient. It is demonstrated that the new proposed criteria, based on multiresolution signal decomposition, allow us to provide satisfactory results for the choice of an efficient reduced model for predicting acoustic radiation due to squeal noise.

New approaches for assessing the activities of operators of complex technical systems

Presented are new approaches for supporting the outcome grading for activities of operators of complex technical systems, which are based on comparisons of current exercises with the activity database patterns in both the wavelet representation metric associated with time series of activity parameters and the likelihood metric of eigenvalue trajectories for these parameters transforms as well as on probabilistic assessments of skill class recognition using sample distribution functions of exercise distances to cluster centers in a scaling space and Bayesian likelihood estimations with the aid of probabilistic profile of staying in activity parameter ranges. These techniques have demonstrated the capabilities of recognizing sets of abnormal exercises and detection of parameters characterizing operator mistakes to reveal the causes of abnormality. The techniques in question overcome limitations of existing methods and provide advantages over manual data analysis since they greatly reduce the combinatorial enumeration of the options considered.

Non-equispaced B-spline wavelets

This paper has three main contributions. The first is the construction of wavelet transforms from B-spline scaling functions defined on a grid of non-equispaced knots. The new construction extends the equispaced, biorthogonal, compactly supported Cohen–Daubechies–Feauveau wavelets. The new construction is based on the factorization of wavelet transforms into lifting steps. The second and third contributions are new insights on how to use these and other wavelets in statistical applications. The second contribution is related to the bias of a wavelet representation. It is investigated how the fine scaling coefficients should be derived from the observations. In the context of equispaced data, it is common practice to simply take the observations as fine scale coefficients. It is argued in this paper that this is not acceptable for non-interpolating wavelets on non-equidistant data. Finally, the third contribution is the study of the variance in a non-orthogonal wavelet transform in a new framework, replacing the numerical condition as a measure for non-orthogonality. By controlling the variances of the reconstruction from the wavelet coefficients, the new framework allows us to design wavelet transforms on irregular point sets with a focus on their use for smoothing or other applications in statistics.