Steering Concepts

Why Ackermann?
In case of parallel geometry, each wheel will try and rotate about a different centre.
This will cause tyre slip. To avoid this, we make both the wheels rotate about the
same point the turning center. We introduce Ackermann to the geometry by
inclining the steering arm to the wheel centreline. This way, the steering arms are
not always parallel to each other. For the wheels to rotate about the same point,
one tyre will turn by a greater angle than the other one.

Understeer and Oversteer

Understeer results when the slip angle of the front tires is greater than the
slip angle of the rear tires. A greater steering angle is then required in order
to maintain the turn. When the steering angle reaches full lock and the turn
cannot be maintained, the vehicle drifts to the outside. In an understeer
condition, the driver is attempting to negotiate a turn, but the vehicle
mushes ahead refusing to cooperate. Oversteer produces just the opposite
condition.
During oversteer, the slip angle of the rear tires is greater than the front.
Consequently, the turn-rate increases automatically and the driver therefore
reduces the steering angle to compensate. During severe oversteer, the
steering angle may reach full lock in the opposite direction while the vehicle
continues on into the turn. The vehicle is then said to "spin out." A vehicle
that understeers is considered safer in the hands of the average driver.
The weight bias of the vehicle determines its inherent oversteer/understeer
characteristics. A vehicle that is heavier at the front will tend to understeer
and one that is heavier at the rear will oversteer. A vehicle in which the
weight is equally distributed between the front and rear axles tends to
exhibit neutral steer characteristics. Although the inherent
understeer/oversteer characteristics of a vehicle are determined by its
weight distribution, the design of the suspension and the selection of wheel
and tire size can enhance or moderate those characteristics.
An obvious solution to the negative effects of understeer and oversteer
would seem to be that cars ought to be designed for neutral steer. Neutral
steer is the theoretical ideal in which the slip angle of front and rear tires
increase in unison throughout the range of steering angles. Unfortunately,
the factors that influence vehicle dynamics are not so precisely manageable.
With the slightest encouragement, a car with neutral steer characteristics

can easily cross over into an oversteering condition. Consequently, designers

prefer to create some degree of understeer in order to avoid oversteer.