DEVELOPMENT AND ANALYSIS OF STEERING MECHANISM FOR MULTI-AXLE WHEELED VEHICLES

Abstract

To eradicate the handling and stability problems, being faced in transporting heavy loads, concept of multi-axle steering vehicle is introduced. The reasons behind these handling and stability problems are the yaw motion and slide slip. Many systems have preferred to concentrate on controlling the yaw motion while other’s one on slip slides. Four-Wheel drive systems largely applied in military vehicles have been developed into refined systems with modern technology, high speed, on road vehicles. The main advantage seen is the mobility that is produced due to provided traction on all four tires. In early systems driving skills were required beyond the capability of an average driver. Other improvements are assurance of a safe and secure vehicle, on and off road, along with the improving carrying and pulling capabilities for people and equipment. The steering system model on the lines of bicycle model developed. Variation of the steering ratio between first and second axle was investigated. Further investigations of individual axles instead of individual wheels took a system to a simpler model of bicycle. By studying individual axle problem instead of individual wheel, mathematical complexity also reduced. To improve maneuverability and handling at low and high vehicle speeds steering ratio between first and second, fifth & sixth axle studied in detail. First of all steady state evaluation done for vehicle at low speed where Ackerman principle used. At higher speeds, for steady state test suitable steering angles investigated. Results of three axle vehicle obtained from MATLAB are verified from TruckSim. After that mathematical modelling of six axle has been developed on the same principles that has been used for three axle mathematical model. Results of six axle vehicle obtained from MATLAB are verified from MSC ADAMS. They strongly stand with each other, hence developed mathematical model for six axle authenticity has been measured.