What is Ackermann Steering Geometry?
By Prasad Balkhande
Steering System
The steering system is responsible for the control of the vehicle. In the design process of this system, the goal is to achieve a small turning radius and steering stability with minimum bump steer along with minimum vehicle weight.
Ackermann Steering Geometry
• The Ackermann Steering geometry involves steering pivot points at an angle to the centre line of the vehicle. This results in the inside wheel turning at a sharper angle than the outside wheel during a turn.
• To have all wheels turning freely on a curved road, all tire axes must intersect at a common point. This criterion is the Ackermann steering condition.
• Ackermann’s condition is satisfied when the wheels of the vehicle turn freely without slipping.
• The Ackermann condition is applicable when the speed of the vehicle is very small, and tire slip angles are very close to zero.
• The advantage of the Ackermann steering geometry is that it provides more precise steering control, particularly during tight turns, as the wheels follow the desired path more accurately. this can improve the handling and stability of the vehicle, particularly at high speeds.
Turning radius
• Turning radius is the minimum radius required by a vehicle to make a U-turn or to navigate a curve without hitting any obstacles.
• The turning radius of a vehicle depends on various factors, including the wheelbase, the width of the vehicle, the angle of the front wheels, and the design of the steering system.
• In general, vehicles with a shorter wheelbase and a narrower track have a smaller turning radius than those with a longer wheelbase and a wider track.
• The turning radius is an important consideration when designing and manoeuvring vehicles, especially in tight spaces or when making sharp turns.