Adjustable Ackermann Design and Testing for Max Performance
Location
CSU 201
Start Date
12-4-2022 1:30 PM
End Date
12-4-2022 2:30 PM
Student's Major
Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Gary Mead
Mentor's Department
Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Ackermann is an important variable of a steering system for any vehicle. The application in which our steering system will be used is for Formula SAE. Slip angles are also a big variable that is taken into consideration when designing a steering system. A slip angle is the difference between the direction the tire is pointing in and the actual direction the tire is going. The slip angle affects the instantaneous turn center making the slip angles a very important factor in steering. Ackermann is the geometry of the steering rack and tie rods that cause the inside wheel to turn at a greater angle than the outside wheel during a turn. Ackermann is good for taking tight turns at a slower speed because the inside tire takes the path of a smaller radius. There is also anti-Ackermann which has the opposite effects causing the outside wheel to turn at a greater angle than the inside wheel during a turn. Anti-Ackermann is used in very high-speed turn applications because there is a large amount of load transfer to the outside tire which causes the slip angles on the outside tire to increase. Parallel steering geometry, or zero Ackermann causes the wheels to turn at the same rate. This paper and presentation’s focus will be on the design and manufacturing of a system that allows us to have adjustable Ackermann, research on whether we want pro or anti Ackermann, how much, and for what situations. Lastly, we will go over testing methods to validate our theories.
Adjustable Ackermann Design and Testing for Max Performance
CSU 201
Ackermann is an important variable of a steering system for any vehicle. The application in which our steering system will be used is for Formula SAE. Slip angles are also a big variable that is taken into consideration when designing a steering system. A slip angle is the difference between the direction the tire is pointing in and the actual direction the tire is going. The slip angle affects the instantaneous turn center making the slip angles a very important factor in steering. Ackermann is the geometry of the steering rack and tie rods that cause the inside wheel to turn at a greater angle than the outside wheel during a turn. Ackermann is good for taking tight turns at a slower speed because the inside tire takes the path of a smaller radius. There is also anti-Ackermann which has the opposite effects causing the outside wheel to turn at a greater angle than the inside wheel during a turn. Anti-Ackermann is used in very high-speed turn applications because there is a large amount of load transfer to the outside tire which causes the slip angles on the outside tire to increase. Parallel steering geometry, or zero Ackermann causes the wheels to turn at the same rate. This paper and presentation’s focus will be on the design and manufacturing of a system that allows us to have adjustable Ackermann, research on whether we want pro or anti Ackermann, how much, and for what situations. Lastly, we will go over testing methods to validate our theories.
Recommended Citation
Loera, Esteban and Cory Miller. "Adjustable Ackermann Design and Testing for Max Performance." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 12, 2022.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2022/oral-session-03/1
