Objectification of steering feel around straight-line driving for vehicle/tyre design

Abstract

This paper presents the objectification techniques for the assessment of steering feel including {on-centre} feel and steering response by measurement data. Here, new objective parameters are developed by considering not only the process by which the steering feel is evaluated subjectively but also by the ergonomic perceptive sensitivity of the driver. In order to validate such objective parameters, subjective tests are carried out by professional drivers. Objective measurements are also performed for several cars at a proving ground. The linear correlation coefficients between the subjective ratings and the objective parameters are calculated. As one of new objective parameters, steering wheel angle defined by ergonomic perception sensitivity shows high correlation with the subjective questionnaires of on-center responses. Newly defined steering torque curvature also shows high correlation with the subjective questionnaires of on-center effort. These correlation results conclude that the subjective assessment of steering feel can be successfully explained and objectified by means of the suggested objective parameters.

Keywords:

• steering feel
• on-centre feel
• steering response
• objective parameters
• subjective assessment
• correlation

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the test engineers of the research and development centre of Hankook Tyre Company, Ltd, for their participation in the subjective test and further valuable suggestions.