Ride comfort simulation of a vehicle equipped with semiactive steering system

This paper presents a ride comfort analysis for a vehicle equipped with a novel steering system called the Semi-Active Steering system (SAS). Current vehicle steering systems, especially in cars which are equipped with a rack and pinion steering system, cause discomfort to the driver whenever the vehicle is driven on an uneven surface or over a pot hole. The driver may feel the vibration on the steering wheel due to the mechanical linkage of the rack and pinion steering system. The unique design of SAS which omits the solid linkage and replaces it with a low stiffness resilient shaft has made it possible to reduce the discomfort felt by the driver. In this research, two vehicle models were built in vehicle simulation software; one with a normal rack and pinion steering system and the other with the SAS system. Both vehicles were simulated on a four-post suspension test rig. Vibrations and steering wheel feel were observed and compared between the two models. The results show that the vehicle with the SAS system managed to improve the comfort by reducing the amount of vibration at the steering wheel. The findings may be useful for car manufacturers to improve the ride and comfort of the vehicle. © Universiti Malaysia Pahang.