Steering system

Name- Biprotib Haldar

Roll-2105114
1.Classify the Steering system.
Which steering system is more
convenient for racing car? Explain.

Based on Mechanism
Manual Steering:

 Rack and Pinion Steering: Simple, compact, and

widely used in passenger cars.
 Recirculating Ball Steering:Often used in older
vehicles and trucks, suitable for heavier loads.
Power Steering:

 Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS): Uses hydraulic

pressure to assist in steering.
 Electric Power Steering (EPS): Uses an electric motor
to provide steering assistance.
 Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS): Combines
hydraulic and electric systems to provide steering
assistance.
Based on Design
 Conventional Steering Systems:Typically uses a
steering wheel connected to a steering column that
controls the direction of the front wheels.
 Steer-by-Wire Systems:Eliminates the mechanical link
between the steering wheel and the wheels, using
electronic controls to manage steering.
Based on Application
 Front-Wheel Steering:Standard in most vehicles,
where only the front wheels are steered.
 Four-Wheel Steering:Allows both the front and rear
wheels to be steered, improving maneuverability and
stability.
 All-Wheel Steering:Similar to four-wheel steering but
typically refers to systems that can steer all wheels
independently for better handling.
Based on Power Assistance
 Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS):Uses hydraulic fluid
and a pump to provide steering assistance.
 Electric Power Steering (EPS):Uses an electric motor
to provide assistance, improving fuel efficiency and
offering variable assistance levels.
 Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS):Combines
both hydraulic and electric systems, using an electric
pump to provide hydraulic pressure.
Classification of steering system on table

Classification Type Description

Criteria
Mechanism Manual Steering Rack and Pinion,
Recirculating Ball
Power Steering Hydraulic, Electric,
Electro-Hydraulic
Design Conventional Mechanical link
Steering between steering
wheel and wheels
Steer-by-Wire Electronic control, no
mechanical link
Application Front-Wheel Only front wheels
Steering steered
Four-Wheel Front and rear wheels
Steering steered
All-Wheel Independent steering
Steering of all wheels
Power Assistance Hydraulic Power Uses hydraulic fluid
Steering (HPS) and pump
Electric Power Uses electric motor
Steering (EPS)
Electro-Hydraulic Combines hydraulic
Power Steering and electric systems
(EHPS)
For racing cars, Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Rack
and Pinion Steering systems are generally considered the
most convenient and effective.

Electric Power Steering (EPS)

Advantages:
1. Precision and Responsiveness: EPS offers precise
and quick steering response, which is crucial for the
high-speed maneuvers required in racing.
2. Adjustability: The level of power assistance can be
finely tuned according to the driver's preference and
specific track conditions, providing optimal control.
3. Reduced Weight: EPS systems are lighter than
hydraulic power steering systems, which helps in
reducing the overall weight of the car, contributing to
better performance and handling.
4. Integration with Electronic Systems: EPS can
easily integrate with advanced electronic systems and
telemetry, providing real-time data and adjustments
for enhanced performance.
5. Consistency: Unlike hydraulic systems, EPS is not
affected by fluid temperature or leaks, providing
consistent performance throughout the race.
Rack and Pinion Steering

Advantages:
1. Simplicity and Directness: Rack and pinion
systems provide a direct and simple connection
between the steering wheel and the wheels, offering
precise control ,which is essential for racing.
2. Reliability: The mechanical simplicity of rack and
pinion steering means fewer parts that can fail,
ensuring reliability under the demanding conditions
of racing.
3. Feedback: Provides better road feedback, allowing
drivers to feel the roads conditions more accurately
and make better driving decisions.
4. Compact Design:The compact nature of rack and
pinion systems allows for better within the vehicle,
contributing to more efficient use of space and
weight distribution.
2. Briefly explain the terms “Toe-in
and Toe-out” and“Camber
angle”.Why do we need to camber
the tires?

Toe-in and Toe-out

Toe-in and Toe-out refer to the alignment of the wheels
relative to the centerline of the vehicle when viewed from
above. Toe-in and toe-out are fundamental terms in
automotive and mechanical engineering used to describe
the alignment of a vehicle's wheels in relation to its
longitudinal axis.
Toe-in
Toe-in refers to a wheel alignment setting where the front
edges of the wheels are
angled slightly inward,
pointing toward the central
axis of the vehicle. In a toe-in
configuration, The front edges
of the wheels are closer
together than the rear edges.
Provides stability and reduces
oversteer. Commonly used in
front-wheel-drive vehicles to
improve straight-line stability. Enhances vehicle stability
at higher speeds but can cause increased tire wear if
excessive.

Toe-out
Toe-out refers to a condition where the front ends of a
vehicle's wheels point outward, away from the central
axis of the vehicle.In Toe-
out condition The front
edges of the wheels are
farther apart than the rear
edges. Improves steering
responsiveness and
reduces understeer. Often
used in rear-wheel-drive
and performance vehicles
to enhance cornering
performance. Improves cornering and agility but can lead
to instability at high speeds and increased tire wear if
excessive.
Camber Angle
Camber angle refers to the tilt of the wheels from vertical
when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle. Camber
refers to the angle formed between the road's vertical
axis and the centerline passing through the tire.

Camber angles are categorized as

1. Positive camber angle
2. Negative camber angle.

Positive Camber Angle

when the upper part of the wheel tilts outward, it
results in a Positive camber angle. It is defined as
the angle between the wheel axis and the road axis. In
the case of a positive camber angle, the outer
surface of the tire makes more contact with the road,
leading to increased wear on this outer portion. The top
of the wheels tilt outward from the center of the
vehicle. Provides stability in straight-line driving
and is commonly used in heavy- duty and off-road
vehicles.

Negative Camber Angle

when the upper part of the wheel tilts inward, it results in
a Negative camber angle. It is defined as the angle
between the wheel axis and the road axis. In this
scenario, the inner surface of the tire makes greater
contact with the road, resulting in increased wear on this
inner portion. Negative camber is deliberately set in some
vehicles to enhance stability when navigating curved
roads.

Why do we need to camber the tires

Cambering the tires, which involves setting a specific
camber angle, is essential for several reasons related to
vehicle handling, performance, and tire wear.
Cambering the tires is crucial for:
 Enhancing handling and cornering performance by
maintaining better tire contact with the road. When a
vehicle takes a corner, the body tends to roll
outward. Negative camber counteracts this roll,
ensuring that the tires maintain better contact with
the road surface. This results in increased grip and
traction during cornering, allowing for higher speeds
and more aggressive driving without losing control.
 Improving grip and stability, especially during turns.
Proper camber settings help to maximize the tire’s
contact patch. A larger contact patch means more
rubber on the road, which translates to better grip
and stability.
  Reducing understeer or oversteer to balance the
vehicle's handling characteristics. Negative camber
can help reduce understeer, where the front wheels
do not turn enough, and the car drifts outward.
Positive camber is less common in performance
vehicles but can be used in specific setups to
balance handling characteristics.
 Compensating for suspension dynamics to maintain
optimal alignment. As the suspension compresses
and extends, the angle of the tires can change.
Setting an initial camber angle helps to maintain
optimal tire alignment throughout the suspension's
range of motion.
 Ensuring even tire wear to extend tire life. Proper
camber settings help distribute the load across the
tire tread more evenly, reducing excessive wear on
one edge of the tire.
 Adapting to specific driving conditions and
requirements. Different driving conditions and vehicle
uses require different camber settings. For example,
race cars often use more negative camber for
maximum cornering grip, while everyday passenger
cars use less aggressive settings for a balance
between handling and tire longevity.

Properly setting the camber angle is essential for

achieving the desired balance between performance,
safety, and tire longevity.
3. Briefly explain “Physics of the Wheel”.
Why do front wheels have different
Ackerman angles? Is there some
disadvantage of Ackerman steering?

The "Physics of the Wheel" involves understanding how

wheels interact with surfaces to enable movement,
control, and stability in vehicles.

Concept Description
Rotational Motion Wheels rotate around an axis,
driven by torque, with angular
velocity.
Linear Motion Wheels translate linearly, with
velocity related to angular
velocity.
Friction and Friction provides the grip needed
Traction for movement, proportional to
normal force.
Normal Force Perpendicular force from the
surface, balancing vehicle weight.
Centripetal Force Force needed for turning,
dependent on vehicle speed and
turn radius.
Camber Angle Tilt of the wheel affecting contact
patch and traction.
 Toe Angle Inward/outward angle of wheels
affecting stability and wear.
Tire Deformation Tires change shape under load,
affecting traction and handling.

Ackerman Steering Geometry or Ackerman

angle-
Ackermann angle, is a geometric configuration that allows
front wheels to be steered at different angles to avoid tire
sliding when turnAckerman Steering Geometry is a design
principle that helps in achieving proper wheel alignment
during turning. The concept is based on the idea that
each wheel on an axle should point towards the center of
the turn's radius.
Here why front wheels have different Ackerman angle-
Turning Radius Differences:
 During a turn, the inner wheel travels on a smaller
radius compared to the outer wheel.
 If both wheels were to turn at the same angle, they
would not follow concentric paths, causing tire
scrubbing and inefficient turning.
Steering Angles:
 To avoid this, the inner front wheel must turn at a
sharper angle than the outer front wheel.
 This difference in angles allows both wheels to trace
the correct circular paths.
Disadvantage of Ackerman steering-

 Complex to Design and Manufacture: The Ackerman

Steering Gear Mechanism is intricate to both design
and produce, which can increase production costs
and time.
 Requires Regular Maintenance: Regular upkeep is
necessary due to its complex nature, which can lead
to added time and expense for users.
 Not Suitable for High Speeds: It’s not ideal for use at
high speeds, which might limit its applicability in
certain high-speed vehicles or situations.
 Difficult to Automate: Automating this mechanism is
challenging, potentially limiting its use in automated
or self-driving vehicles.
 More Wear and Tear: It also tends to experience more
wear and tear compared to other steering
mechanisms, which could result in more frequent
repairs or replacements
 Complexity in All-Wheel Drive Systems:For vehicles
with all-wheel steering or sophisticated all-wheel-
drive systems, integrating Ackerman principles can
be complex and may require advanced electronic
controls to achieve desired handling characteristics.
 Increased Tire Wear in High-Speed Applications: At
higher speeds, the different angles of the wheels can
lead to increased tire wear on the outer edges, as the
wheels are not aligned optimally for straight-line
stability.
Its disadvantages at high speeds, compatibility issues
with modern suspension systems, and specific vehicle
design requirements make it less suitable for certain
applications