On-Center Steer Feel Evaluation based on Non-linear Vibration Analytical Method

This paper develops quantitative evaluation method for on-centre steer feel at high speeds. This evaluation method applied “Analytical Method of Equivalent Linear System using the Restoring Force Model of Power Function Type” to the analysis of the vehicles response characteristic. By this method, non-linear characteristics of vehicles response can be grasped with concise indices. Actual driving data of the vehicles with which steer feel evaluation differs were analyzed, and indices were computed. The relation between these indices and subjective evaluations by expert drivers was considered. Consequently, correlation nature was able to be found out among these. In order to verify the validity of this evaluation method, the target characteristics were set up by using these indices, and it analyzed using simulation tools. And the vehicle in which the analysis result was made to reflect was built. Expert drivers using the vehicle that was modified based on this method confirmed the effectiveness of the evaluation method.