Design of steering system of a buggy

Abstract

The present paper discusses the design analysis and limitations of the steering system of a buggy. Many geometrical and performance characteristics of the designed steering system were considered to address the kinematic constraints and load carrying capacity of the steering elements. Ackremann geometry approach was used to assess the limiting steering angle, while Lewis bending formula with the inclusion of dynamic effects was employed to characterise the flexural properties of the rack and pinion steering system. Analytical results were numerically verified using ABAQUS/Explicit nonlinear finite element (FE) package. Good agreement has been achieved between analytical and numerical results in predicting the flexural behaviour of the steering rack and pinion system.