Exploration of steering feel

Abstract: In this thesis, the concept of steering feel, as experienced by the driver, is explored. First a literature review is conducted to highlight previous work on this topic. From this review, the Norman on-centre test and steering wheel torque are identified as important concepts, and are chosen to form the base of this thesis. Following this, steering system and tyre construction are described, and a single-track mathematical model of a car and its tyres is illustrated. Those models are then implemented in Simulink and are used to simulate the Norman on-centre test and explore the effects of vehicle mass, steering ratio and power-steering servo curves on steering wheel torque. Without power steering, vehicle mass and steering ratio are identified as having the largest effect on the steering torque. With power steering added to the model, it becomes the dominating factor in shaping the steering wheel torque, and it is concluded that future research in this area is likely to focus on power-steering and steer-by-wire effects.