5. Conclusion
This paper proposed a new method called Modal Amplitude Stability Analysis based on the transformation of the first harmonic approximation of equations of motion (using Harmonic Balance Method) into a state-space system compatible with a stability analysis. This approach and the evolution of the real parts of the dynamic system versus modal amplitudes were used to detect the occurrence and generation of increasing self-excited vibrations. For the global strategy, a new linearization was proposed for nonlinear forces at the frictional interface in order to linearize each contact element independently. This linearization introduced terms in both stiffness and damping matrices and should allow reduction on relative displacements [37] for future developments based on CHBM [29] which could probably be used to reassess the mode shape and frequency according to modal amplitudes. An application for an industrial finite element automotive brake system was presented. The numerical results obtained and the scientific approach proposed demonstrated that the Modal Amplitude Stability Analysis is very interesting for several reasons, despite the assumption on the mode shape and the frequency of the unstable modes. Firstly, there was no convergence problem since no optimization was used. Secondly, the calculation times were compatible with industrial use, as illustrated in this present work.