Design and Analysis in Virtual Prototyping Environment of an Innovative Integral Steering System for 2-Axle Cars

Abstract:

The paper deals with design, modeling, and dynamic analysis of an integral (4-wheel) steering system for 2-axle cars. The study is focused on the steering box of the rear wheels, which is based on cam - follower mechanism. In the proposed concept, the integral steering intends to improve the stability and handling of the vehicle by considering the integral steering law, which is formulated in terms of correlation between the steering angles of the front and rear wheels. In this regard, a double-profiled cam is designed, whose profile dictates the translational movement of the follower, which is connected to the rear left and right steering tie-rods. The dynamic modeling and simulation of the 4-wheel steering vehicle was performed by using the MBS software package ADAMS. The results of the dynamic tests demonstrate the handling and stability performances of the proposed system, in relation with a classical 2-wheel steering vehicle.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 880)
• Pages: 213-219
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.880.213
• Online since: March 2018
• Authors: Cătălin Alexandru*
• Keywords: Automobile, Dynamics, Integral Steering Mechanism, Virtual Prototype

References

[1] Alexandru, P., Macaveiu, D., Alexandru, C., A gear with translational wheel for a variable transmission ratio and applications to steering box, Mechanism and Machine Theory, 52 (2012) 267-276.

DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2012.02.005

[2] Alexandru, P., Alexandru, C., Correlating requirements regarding the command and the mechanical structure of the automotive steering system, 10th IFToMM International Symposium, 2009, pp.217-226.

DOI: 10.1007/978-90-481-3522-6_17

[3] Sharp, R.S., Driver steering control and a new perspective on car handling qualities, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers - Part C, 219 (2005) 1041-1051.

DOI: 10.1243/095440605x31896

[4] Cho, Y.H., Kim, J., Design of optimal four-wheel steering system, Vehicle System Dynamics, 24 (1995) 661-682.

DOI: 10.1080/00423119508969112

[5] Sano, S., Furukawa, Y., Nihei, T., Abe, M., Handling characteristics of steer angle dependent four wheel steering system, SAE Technical Paper 885034 (1988).

DOI: 10.4271/885034

[6] Berkefeld, V., Seifert, G., Four wheel steering - handling and disturbance compensation on surface with various friction conditions, 24th FISITA World Congress, 1992, pp.87-94.

[7] Simionescu, P.A., Tempea, I., Loch, N.E., Kinematic analysis of a two-degree-of-freedom steering mechanism used in rigid-axle vehicles, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers - Part D 215 (2001) 803-812.

DOI: 10.1243/0954407011528392

[8] Qin, D., Chen, L., Zhong, Y., Pan, X., Setting-up and simulation of SUV full vehicle handling stability based on multibody dynamics, IEEE International Conference on Mechatronics and Automation - ICMA, 2007, pp.2683-268.

DOI: 10.1109/icma.2007.4303981

[9] Topping, R., Understeer concepts with extensions to four-wheel steer, active steer, and time transients, SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems, 5 (2012) 167-186.

DOI: 10.4271/2012-01-0245

[10] Alexandru, C., Alexandru, P., The virtual prototype of a mechatronic suspension system with active force control, WSEAS Transactions on Systems, 9 (2010) 927-936.

[11] Tarniţă, D., Marghitu, D., Analysis of a hand arm system, Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 29 (2013) 493-501.

DOI: 10.1016/j.rcim.2013.06.001

[12] Tarniţă, D., Catană, M., Tarniţă, D.N., Contributions on the modeling and simulation of the human knee joint with applications to the robotic structures, Mechanisms and Machine Science, 20 (2014) 283-297.

[13] Alexandru, P., Visa, I., Alexandru, C., Modeling the angular capability of the ball joints in a complex mechanism with two degrees of mobility, Applied Mathematical Modelling, 38 (2014) 5456-5470.

DOI: 10.1016/j.apm.2014.04.032