Friction-induced vibration in periodic linear elastic media

For a one-dimensional finite elastic continuum with distributed contacts and periodic boundary conditions, the presence of unstable waves is investigated. The stability of the waves is evaluated and explanations for instabilities under a constant coefficient of friction are provided. A negative slope in the coefficient Of friction as a function of sliding speed is not a necessary condition for the occurrence of dynamic instability. Dynamic instability occurs in the form of self-excited, unstable, travelling waves. The stabilizing effects of external and internal damping were studied. Low- and high-frequency terms of the travelling waves are stabilized by adding external and internal damping respectively. Responses corresponding to unstable eigenvalues can dominate the system response. It is presumed that this can lead to squeaking or squealing noise in applications. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.