I.

STEERING SYSTEM

The purpose of this system is to provide maneuverability of the vehicle to the driver with minimum
input.A simple steering mechanismbased on the Ackermann geometry is used in our Go-Kart. While
designing the steering system the constraints that we possessed were center alignment of the steering
system. It is light weight, simple and can be fabricated inexpensively.

Design Procedure:
1.

Steering geometry was designed by taking driver effort, vehicle handling, ease of approach
and cost of manufacturing into consideration.

2.

The pitman arm mounted with mechanical linkage of steering column and tie rods was
selected on the basis of Ackermanns steering mechanism.

3.

The steering mechanism consists of a pitman arm, two tie rod, two C-Clamps, two knuckle
assemblies(steering arm + stub axle) and a steering column with a mounted steering wheel.

Some important parameters in context to steering system are

Wheelbase 1.1811 m

Front wheel track - 0.8636

Rear wheel track - 1.016

Steering Column
-

Tilting and without power assistance

Length 0.3302 m

Inclination - 80

Steering Gear Ratio - 1:1

Wheel Lock Angle-

Inner Angle - 40

Outer Angle- 27.92

Lock to Lock Turns - 0.22

Turning Radius 1.92

Ackermann Angle 75.53

-

Percentage 51.61%

Steering Wheel Diameter 0.279 m

Tie Rod Length 0.254m each

Steering Wheel Torque 14.20Nm

Steering Effort 107.64N

CAE of different components of steering mechanism:

Equivalent Stress
1.
Analysis

Pitman Arm This linkage converts the angular motion of the steering column to the linear
motion of tie rod. A shear force of 289N and torque of 14.20Nm are applied.
results

of

Pitman

Arm

are

as

follows

Safety Factor

Total Deformation

Equivalent stress
2.

Tie Rod This link ties the pitman arm to the steering arm. An axial compressive load of
220N is applied.

Analysis results of tie rod are as follows

Safety Factor

Total Deformation

Equivalent Stress
3.

Knuckle assembly The steering arm converts the linear motion of the tie rod to angular
motion of the assembly. Stub axle bears the wheel and rotates it with the rotation of assembly.
The stub axle bears a load of 900N.

Analysis results of Knuckle assembly are as follows-

Safety factor

Total Deformation

Equivalent stress

4.

C-Clamp It is a means to provide linkage between wheels and chassis through knuckle
assembly. It bears an upward force of 1800N.

Analysis results of C-Clamp are as follows-

Total Deformation

Safety factor

Equivalent Stress