Steering

1. Introduction
The primary function of the steering system is to convert the rotational motion of
the steering wheel into lateral motion of the front wheels, enabling the driver to
precisely and safely control the vehicle's direction in various driving conditions.

The steering system is a critical subsystem in any vehicle, as it directly affects

control characteristics, stability, and driver confidence. In automotive applications,
the steering system may consist of mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical components.

Steering geometry parameters, such as the inside and outside wheel steering
angles, along with vehicle dimensions, including wheelbase and track width, play a
significant role in determining the turning radius and the vehicle's cornering
behavior. A properly designed steering system ensures an ideal balance between
agility and stability, minimizing tire slippage and wear during cornering.

In high-performance racing and Formula cars, the steering system becomes even
more critical due to the sharp turns and demanding dynamic conditions. Vehicle
performance depends heavily on precise steering geometry, appropriate Ackermann
characteristics, and an optimal steering ratio, all of which contribute to improved
vehicle control, enhanced driver feedback, and reduced lap times in racing
conditions.

2. Design Requirements
When designing the steering system for a Formula One car, several key
requirements must be considered to ensure optimal performance and safety during
competition:
 Turning radius
 It must be small enough to allow the car to maneuver through tight corners on
the race track.
 Steering ratio:
A balance must be struck between responsiveness and precise control to ensure
the steering doesn't overburden the driver.
 Maximum steering angle:
The front wheels must be able to achieve maximum deflection without any
mechanical interference.
 Lightweight design:
Materials such as aluminum or carbon fiber are preferred to reduce overall weight
and improve vehicle dynamics.
 Driver effort:
The system should be smooth and lightweight, requiring minimal effort from the
driver during cornering.
 Durability and reliability:
The system must withstand repeated shock, braking, and acceleration loads without
failure.

3. Steering System Selection

When designing the steering system for a Formula 1 car, several types of systems
can be considered, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

 Rack and Pinion System:

Commonly used in smaller racing cars.
Features simplicity, light weight, and high precision.
Ideal for vehicles requiring a small turning radius and quick response.
Figure 1 Rack & pinion

 Worm and Sector System:

An older system used in conventional vehicles.
Strong but heavier and less precise.
Unsuitable for racing environments where light weight and quick response are
essential.

figure 2 Worm and Sector

  Hydraulic Steering System:
Commonly used in large cars and trucks.
Provides significant steering assistance but increases weight and complexity.
Impractical for Formula 1 cars due to size and weight restrictions.

Figure 3 Hydraulic Steering System

 Final choice:
The rack and pinion system was chosen because it offers the best balance between
lightweight construction, high precision, and ease of manufacturing, making it the
most suitable option for Formula racing conditions.

4. Main component of steering system

The rack and pinion steering system was chosen for the Formula car, a system
commonly used in Formula racing cars due to its simplicity, light weight, and high
steering precision. This type of system directly converts the rotational motion of
the steering wheel into linear motion of the steering rack, which is then
transmitted to the front wheels via tie rods.
The absence of an electric assist system ensures direct mechanical feedback to the
driver, allowing for precise control and improved vehicle responsiveness during
dynamic events. Furthermore, the rack and pinion steering system offers a
compact design that can be easily integrated into the car's chassis while remaining
compliant with Formula regulations.

4.1 steering wheel

The steering wheel is the driver's main interface, through which the car is
steered. It was designed with ergonomics in mind to provide a proper grip,
complete comfort, and speed of hand movement during sharp maneuvers. The
diameter of the steering wheel was chosen to achieve a balance between steering
effort and response, while simultaneously complying with the safety requirements
of Formula racing.

Figure 4 steering wheel

4.2 steering column

The steering column transmits torque from the steering wheel to the gear shaft. It
is typically designed as a hollow column to reduce weight while maintaining
sufficient torsional rigidity. Universal couplings can be used in the steering column
to address angular misalignment between the steering wheel, gear set and rack,
while ensuring smooth torque transmission.
Figure 5 steering column with universal joint

4.3 Rack and Pinion Mechanism

The gear and rack mechanism is the core of the steering system. The small gear
converts the rotational motion into the linear motion of the toothed rack. This
linear motion determines the steering angle of the front wheels. The gear ratio
between the small gear and the toothed rack plays an important role in
determining the steering ratio, steering effort, and overall vehicle response .

Figure 6 rack & pinion

4.4 Tie Rods

The steering arms connect the steering rack to the steering arms mounted on the
struts. It converts the linear motion of the steering rack into an angular motion at
the wheels. The steering arms are designed to withstand the tensile, compressive,
and bending loads generated during cornering, braking, and driving on uneven
roads, while minimizing flex to maintain steering accuracy.

4.5 Steering Arms and Uprights

The uprights connect with steering arms, which transform the movement of the tie
rod into angles that control the direction of the wheels. The shape and design of
these parts have a significant impact on the Ackermann geometry and how
responsive the steering is. The uprights are essential for holding the wheel
assembly and serve as attachment points for the steering arms, suspension parts,
and braking systems, which are vital for ensuring precise alignment of the wheels
and effective steering operation.

Figure 7 steering system

5. Steering Geometric Analysis

The design of a Formula One car's steering system mostly defines its handling,
agility, and stability. Correct steering design guarantees precise wheel alignment
while turning, minimizes tire slippage, and offers uniform driver response. Among
the fundamental steering geometry criteria taken into account in this design are:
Ackerman geometry, caster angle, steering axis tilt, friction radius, and
convergence angle
5.1 Ackermann's geometry
ensure that the inside and outside front wheels spin at different angles during
cornering, hence allowing both to move without sideways slipping, Ackermann
steering geometry is employed. As it turns, the car circles an instantaneous center
of rotation (ICR) discovered on the rear axle. Pure rolling motion requires that the
front wheel axis extensions intersect at this point.

The Ackermann condition is mathematically expressed as:

b
=cot ∅ −cot θ
L

Where:

b =track width

L= wheel base

Ø = Outer wheel angle

θ =inner wheel angle

α = Ackermann angle
Figure 8 Ackermann Geometry

5.2 Caster Angle

From the side of the car, the caster angle is the angle the steering axis makes with
the vertical. When the steering axis is inclined backward at the top, it has a positive
caster angle.

By offering a natural return-to-center effect, positive caster produces a self-

aligning torque that raises straight-line stability and improves steering feel. Raising
the caster angle, though, also raises steering effort, thus manual steering systems
need to be meticulously balanced.

For Formula cars, a modest positive caster angle is chosen to provide enough
stability without too much steering effort with range 5-7 degree especially when
the car is going around a corner or making a sharp turn.

Figure 9 caster angle

5.3 Kingpin Inclination (KPI)

The steering axis angle (Kingpin) from the front of the vehicle—also known as the
steering axis angle (SAI)—is the angle between the vertical axis and the steering
axis.

Bringing the steering axis closer to the center of the tire contact patch with the road
helps reduce the contact radius and facilitates steering. Additionally, this aids in
the steering mechanism's self-resetting.

An ideal steering axis angle improves steering accuracy and road feel, while
minimizing unwanted steering torque caused by braking or uneven road surfaces.
Figure 10 Kingpin Inclination

5.4 Scrub Radius

The friction radius is defined as the horizontal distance on the ground from the
center of the tire's contact area with the ground to the point where the steering axis
intersects it.

The small friction radius in Formula cars helps reduce the effort required for
steering and minimizes the impact of braking forces on steering performance.
While an increased friction radius may result in greater steering torque, steering
wheel feedback, and uneven braking.

Carefully selecting the steering axis tilt angles, wheel offset, and tire size
contributes to reducing the friction radius, thereby improving the stability and
reliability of steering performance.
Figure 11 scurb radius

5.5 Toe Angle

Toe angle indicates the angle positioning of the wheels in relation to the vehicle's
lengthwise direction. Toe-in is present when the front section of the wheels tilts
toward the centerline of the vehicle, whereas toe-out happens when the wheels tilt
outward from it.

In Formula cars, a slight static toe-out on the front wheels is frequently employed
to enhance the reaction during turns. Nevertheless, too much toe-out can lead to
accelerated tire degradation and instability when driving straight. Thus, toe
adjustments are meticulously fine-tuned to achieve a harmonious balance between
responsiveness and stability.
Figure 12 toe angle

[Link] Effort and Force Analysis

Evaluating steering effort is a crucial stage in the design of Formula 1 steering
systems. Since power steering is not used, the steering system design must aim to
provide the driver with a manageable level of effort while ensuring precise control
and quick response.

The effort required for steering is influenced by the interaction between the tires
and the road, the steering geometry, the dimensions of the steering gear, and the
characteristics of the steering wheel. High levels of steering effort can negatively
impact driver performance, particularly in endurance racing and motorsport.

6.1 Forces Acting on the Front Wheels

During cornering, lateral forces act on the front tires due to tire-road friction. These
forces generate resisting moments that must be overcome by the steering system.

The lateral force acting on a front wheel can be estimated using :

Fy = μ⋅ Fz

Where:

 Fy = Lateral tire force

 μ = Coefficient of friction
 Fz = Normal load on the front wheel