Simulation of Chatter Vibrations for Wiper Systems

An experimental investigation is first carried out to analyze the influence of the geometrical configuration of a wiper system on the chattering occurrence. The measurement results show a combined influence of the load applied on the rubber blade and the attack angle on the vibratory level of the blade. A mathematical four-degree of freedom model, based on the Sprag-slip theory, is developed to simulate the behavior of the rubber blade during the wiping motion. A dynamic analysis is then performed to define conditions for stable motion of the system. The comparison of these theoretical unstable configurations and the experimental chattering cases shows good correlation.

This theoretical survey points out necessary conditions for unstable motion, in terms of orientation of the rubber blade to the glass surface. Moreover, a two-parameter study on the stiffness of the mathematical model highlights the influence of the geometry of the rubber blade cross-section and the material properties on the instability results.