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Finite element modal analysis of a twin-disc tribometer: sensitivity analysis and experimental validation using vibrometry

G. Brunbauer, M.J. Hochrainer, S. Krenn, A.M. Puhwein, Matt Bonney Orcid Logo, S.J. Eder Orcid Logo, P.A. Fotiu Orcid Logo

Tribology International, Volume: 219, Issue: 111778

Swansea University Author: Matt Bonney Orcid Logo

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DOI (Published version): 10.1016/j.triboint.2026.111778

Abstract

Investigating tribological systems using tribometers is challenging due to the complex interaction between machine vibrations and contact forces. Numerical simulations are therefore essential for interpreting tribological measurements and for improving the design and reproducibility of test rigs. To...

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Published in: Tribology International
ISSN: 0301-679X
Published: Elsevier BV 2026
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URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71390
first_indexed 2026-02-05T13:45:31Z
last_indexed 2026-02-06T06:54:56Z
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spelling 2026-02-05T13:45:30.2369458 v2 71390 2026-02-05 Finite element modal analysis of a twin-disc tribometer: sensitivity analysis and experimental validation using vibrometry 323110cf11dcec3e8183228a4b33e06d 0000-0002-1499-0848 Matt Bonney Matt Bonney true false 2026-02-05 ACEM Investigating tribological systems using tribometers is challenging due to the complex interaction between machine vibrations and contact forces. Numerical simulations are therefore essential for interpreting tribological measurements and for improving the design and reproducibility of test rigs. To support the analysis of wear patterns by coupling structural dynamics and contact behaviour, this study develops and validates a high-fidelity finite element model of a twin-disc tribometer as the structural-dynamic foundation of a digital twin. The model includes detailed geometry, bolt pretension, nonlinear contact, nonlinear joints and rigid body components to accurately capture the dynamic behaviour of the system. A sensitivity study quantifies the influence of model parameters on the modal system characteristics. Operational modal analysis of vibrometer measurements confirms the numerical model, and enables the identification of vibration modes that strongly modulate the disc contact forces. These modes are shown to be governed primarily by disc cover stiffness, contact friction and bearing stiffness, explaining experimentally observed shifts in resonance frequencies associated with periodic wear patterns. The validated model therefore provides insights into the interaction between machine dynamics and contact behaviour and forms a basis for the development of a digital twin, taking machine dynamic effects into account. Journal Article Tribology International 219 111778 Elsevier BV 0301-679X Twin-disc tribometer; Finite element analysis; Modal analysis; Sensitivity analysis; Laser Doppler Vibrometry 1 7 2026 2026-07-01 10.1016/j.triboint.2026.111778 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2026.111778 COLLEGE NANME Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering COLLEGE CODE ACEM Swansea University Another institution paid the OA fee 2026-02-05T13:45:30.2369458 2026-02-05T13:40:06.4184867 Faculty of Science and Engineering School of Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, General and Mechanical Engineering - Aerospace Engineering G. Brunbauer 1 M.J. Hochrainer 2 S. Krenn 3 A.M. Puhwein 4 Matt Bonney 0000-0002-1499-0848 5 S.J. Eder 0000-0002-2902-3076 6 P.A. Fotiu 0000-0002-3761-9208 7
title Finite element modal analysis of a twin-disc tribometer: sensitivity analysis and experimental validation using vibrometry
spellingShingle Finite element modal analysis of a twin-disc tribometer: sensitivity analysis and experimental validation using vibrometry
Matt Bonney
title_short Finite element modal analysis of a twin-disc tribometer: sensitivity analysis and experimental validation using vibrometry
title_full Finite element modal analysis of a twin-disc tribometer: sensitivity analysis and experimental validation using vibrometry
title_fullStr Finite element modal analysis of a twin-disc tribometer: sensitivity analysis and experimental validation using vibrometry
title_full_unstemmed Finite element modal analysis of a twin-disc tribometer: sensitivity analysis and experimental validation using vibrometry
title_sort Finite element modal analysis of a twin-disc tribometer: sensitivity analysis and experimental validation using vibrometry
author_id_str_mv 323110cf11dcec3e8183228a4b33e06d
author_id_fullname_str_mv 323110cf11dcec3e8183228a4b33e06d_***_Matt Bonney
author Matt Bonney
author2 G. Brunbauer
M.J. Hochrainer
S. Krenn
A.M. Puhwein
Matt Bonney
S.J. Eder
P.A. Fotiu
format Journal article
container_title Tribology International
container_volume 219
container_issue 111778
publishDate 2026
institution Swansea University
issn 0301-679X
doi_str_mv 10.1016/j.triboint.2026.111778
publisher Elsevier BV
college_str Faculty of Science and Engineering
hierarchytype
hierarchy_top_id facultyofscienceandengineering
hierarchy_top_title Faculty of Science and Engineering
hierarchy_parent_id facultyofscienceandengineering
hierarchy_parent_title Faculty of Science and Engineering
department_str School of Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, General and Mechanical Engineering - Aerospace Engineering{{{_:::_}}}Faculty of Science and Engineering{{{_:::_}}}School of Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, General and Mechanical Engineering - Aerospace Engineering
url https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2026.111778
document_store_str 0
active_str 0
description Investigating tribological systems using tribometers is challenging due to the complex interaction between machine vibrations and contact forces. Numerical simulations are therefore essential for interpreting tribological measurements and for improving the design and reproducibility of test rigs. To support the analysis of wear patterns by coupling structural dynamics and contact behaviour, this study develops and validates a high-fidelity finite element model of a twin-disc tribometer as the structural-dynamic foundation of a digital twin. The model includes detailed geometry, bolt pretension, nonlinear contact, nonlinear joints and rigid body components to accurately capture the dynamic behaviour of the system. A sensitivity study quantifies the influence of model parameters on the modal system characteristics. Operational modal analysis of vibrometer measurements confirms the numerical model, and enables the identification of vibration modes that strongly modulate the disc contact forces. These modes are shown to be governed primarily by disc cover stiffness, contact friction and bearing stiffness, explaining experimentally observed shifts in resonance frequencies associated with periodic wear patterns. The validated model therefore provides insights into the interaction between machine dynamics and contact behaviour and forms a basis for the development of a digital twin, taking machine dynamic effects into account.
published_date 2026-07-01T05:34:00Z
_version_ 1856805840312336384
score 11.096027

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