A model of the friction characteristics of carbon brakes is proposed to aid in the understanding of the causes of brake vibration. The model parameters are determined by a genetic algorithm in an attempt to identify differences in friction properties between brake applications during which vibration occurs and those during which there is no vibration. The model computes the brake torque as a function of wheelspeed, brake pressure, and the carbon surface temperature. The surface temperature is computed using a five node temperature model. The genetic algorithm chooses the model parameters to minimize the error between the model output and the torque measured during a dynamometer test. The basics of genetic algorithms and results of the model parameter identification process are presented.