Title: Evaluation of driver steering preferences using an automotive simulator

Authors: Jesse Black; Paul T. Freeman; John R. Wagner; Erhun Iyasere; Darren M. Dawson; Fred S. Switzer

Addresses: Honda R&D Americas, Inc., 21001 State Route 739, Raymond, OH 43067-9705, USA ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0921, USA ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0921, USA ' Jacobsen, A Textron Company, 11524 Wilmar Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28273-6448, USA ' Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0921, USA ' Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0921, USA

Abstract: A high fidelity steering simulator was developed and validated to support driver steering preference studies. The steering simulator was validated using in-vehicle test data and two pilot studies before application to a demographics-based driver preference study with 43 subjects. This latter study reflected the following trends: drivers who used their vehicles for utility purposes preferred faster steering ratios and heavier steering torque in residential, country, and highway environments. In contrast, car enthusiasts preferred fast steering ratios in residential and country environments and light steering torque on the highway. These relationships may be used to set steering targets, during future vehicle developments, to accurately match vehicles to their intended market segments.

Keywords: vehicle dynamics; steering systems; human subject testing; assessment; driver preferences; automotive simulator; hardware-in-the-loop; HIL testing; steer-by-wire; steering ratios; steering torques; steering preferences; simulation; demographics; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2014.064548

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2014 Vol.66 No.2, pp.124 - 142

Accepted: 14 Jun 2013
Published online: 30 Oct 2014 *

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