NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF ROTOR–BRAKE ASSEMBLY USING CYCLIC SYMMETRY TECHNIQUES

Abstract

Brake rotor–pad assemblies exhibit complex vibration behavior due to frictional contact, thermo-
mechanical loading, and rotational periodicity. In this study, a quarter-sector finite element model
of a rotor–brake assembly is developed using cyclic symmetry theory in ANSYS Mechanical 2025
R2. A sequential multiphysics workflow is implemented, linking steady-state thermal analysis,
nonlinear static structural analysis, and pre-stressed modal analysis.
Three prestress states corresponding to near contact, sliding, and sticking conditions are examined.
The results demonstrate that increasing contact engagement significantly modifies stiffness
distribution and shifts natural frequencies. Harmonic index-based modal classification reveals the
influence of frictional constraints on symmetric and anti-symmetric mode shapes.