Chapter 5 - Steering System and Vehicle Dynamics

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the effect of the steering system characteristics on the vehicle dynamic performance. To do so, the equations of motion are derived for the steering system. These are used to examine the steering system characteristics due to the vehicle motion. Under normal traveling conditions of the vehicle, the steering wheel is controlled by the driver's hand. The steering wheel rotation is transferred through the steering wheel shaft and gearbox to the tie rod, and then through the knuckle arm, which allows the front wheel rotation around the kingpin. The chapter also focuses on the effect of steering system characteristics on the vehicle motion by treating the steering angle, α; as fixed and not as a state of motion of the mechanical system. In reality, this is when the steering wheel angle is maintained purposely at a fixed value regardless of the vehicle motion, or when the steering wheel angle is set with a fixed pattern regardless of steering wheel inertia, damping force, and restoring force. The front wheel steer angle is given freely and is fixed. When the front wheel steer angle or the steering wheel angle is fixed, it is called fixed control.