Controlling and Optimization of Steering Wheel Shimmy of the Vehicle at High-Speed Based on FEA Method

Abstract

In this paper, finite element method was adopted to solve the Steering wheel shimmy problem. Firstly, finite element model of the whole steering system from the knuckle to the steering wheel is conducted, and be verified by test. After modeling and verification, it is possible for the FE model to identify a natural frequency that contributes reasonably to the shimmy phenomenon in the steering wheel. Secondly the frequency spectrum of acceleration which is obtained based on test is loaded at the knuckle to simulate steering wheel shimmy. Finally, the sequential quadratic programming is performed to optimize steering system structure and improve the isolation performance based on this model. The plate thickness and stiffness of bushing are set as discrete optimization variables, and the Y-direction acceleration of steering wheel at 12 o'clock is set as the objective function. The successful solution of the steering wheel shimmy of a passenger car proves that this method is efficacious.