Squeak noise in lead screw systems: Self-excited vibration of continuous model

The dynamic instability of a spinning lead screw in contact with a screw nut is investigated analytically. The lead screw is modeled as a circular beam vibrating in transverse and torsion direction. The contact kinematics between the lead screw and the nut is described on the contact threads in the lead screw. The onset of squeak noise is numerically predicted with a variety of system parameters. Stability analysis shows that the transverse vibration modes can generate squeak noise in the lead screw system. It is highlighted that squeak noise can be controlled by system design parameters in such a manner that the squeak propensity is dependent on rotation speed, screw radius, axial load, contact location, and so on.