CAE Simulation Based Structural Assessment of Steering Wheel

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">The structural integrity of the steering wheel is important for vehicle operations. It is subjected to various load conditions during the vehicle motion. It thus becomes important to understand various aspects of the same which include stiffness, natural frequency, and regulatory requirements i.e. body block test, head form impact test, etc. Simulation plays an important role in understanding the structural integrity and validation requirements of products at the design stage itself.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">This paper discusses the modeling and simulation of the steering wheel at both the armature level and the complete steering wheel level. As armature is critical from a structural strength and stiffness point of view, certain simulations like modal analysis are performed first at the armature level, and design iterations were done to achieve the natural frequency target.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">The list of simulations performed includes modal analysis, bending rigidity, static compression, bending stiffness, body block test and head form test as per AIS-096. Simulation results which include deformation, stress, energy absorption and 'g' levels during impact were studied.</div></div>