An experimental investigation into noise and vibration of an automotive wiper

Abstract

As modem passenger cars become increasingly quieter, wiper operation vibration and noise becomc more noticeable. As a result of the market information survey, most complaints about the wiper concern operation noise. Wiper vibration and noise is classified into three main categories namely, squeal noise, chattering, and reversal noise. Squeal noise is a high-frequency vibration of about 1000 Hz. Chattering noise is a low-frequency vibration o f 100Hz or less and reversal noise is an impact sound with a frequency of 500 Hz or less produced when the wiper reverses. In this paper, we experimentally investigate vibration and noise o f a passenger car's wiper. First we determine natural frequencies of a wiper using modal testing. Later, noise and vibration characteristics are observed during wiper operation at the dry and wret conditions. Wiper noise and vibration is also examined at three different speeds, i.e., slow, moderate and fast.