Interaction of vehicle and steering system regarding on-centre handling

For the on-centre handling behaviour of vehicles the steering system is absolutely important. To investigate the interaction of the vehicle and steering system a validated, especially tailored simulation model was developed. Some meaningful vehicle and steering system parameters are altered to show the influence on steering wheel torque, steering feel and understeer. The results underline the importance of an accurate steering system model. Identified measures to improve the centre feel and steering response were a stiffer torsion bar, a higher cornering stiffness or a lower overall steering ratio. The steering response, however, suffers when the centre feel is improved by a higher trail. The steering rack friction reduces mainly the steering response while the steering column friction decreases the centre feel whereas a stiffer torsion bar lessens the understeer tendency.