Tribological and vibroacoustic behavior of a contact between rubber and glass (application to wiper blade)

The wiping of the windshield of a car is carried out with the reciprocating motion of a rubber blade on glass that removes the water from glass. This function is realized by a contact dimension between the rubber and glass of a few tens of micrometers. A good wiping is characterized by a homogeneous disposal of the water, without noise generation and by limiting as much as possible the phenomenon of wear (loss of wiping or noise presence). This wiping is only possible by a good understanding of the tribological, mechanical and vibroacoustic parameters that control completely the contact. Our article proposes to approach four typical phenomena occurring on rubber wiper blades. Also, we will describe the evolution of dry friction coefficient with temperature. Later, we will approach the influence of velocity on the friction coefficient of a wiper rubber blade by water. Then we will talk about a phenomenon called tacky friction where the friction coefficient reaches a very important value. And in conclusion, we try to give a relationship between the stick–slip and the squeal noise.