An analytical method for predicting impact characteristics of vehicle steering assemblies
by Y. Kobayashi, A. Nobata, S. Iwasaki, K. Sawazaki
International Journal of Vehicle Design (IJVD), Vol. 9, No. 4/5, 1988

Abstract: The steering assembly is typically one of the vehicle parts that may injure an unrestrained driver in a frontal collision. Consequently, similar regulations are in effect in many countries governing impact test procedures and steering assembly requirements. Since there are always parts damaged during these tests, improving the safety performance of steering assemblies has required many test parts and much manpower. Another problem has been the difficulty of predicting the impact load on a test body block in the early stages of design. In an effort to solve these problems, collapsible steel-hall-type steering columns were trial-produced and tested to analyse steering assembly behaviour and factors affecting maximum impact load. Using the results obtained, a method of simulating the impact test was developed, based on the properties of the energy absorbing parts. This method takes into account the force acting perpendicular to the steering column axis and the need to assure solution convergence. It makes it possible to estimate the maximum impact load and its time of occurrence within a few percentage points of error. In addition, it is now possible to investigate quantitatively how each steering assembly component affects impact phenomena.

Online publication date: Mon, 26-May-2014

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