Steering Geometry Involved in Rear Steered Vehicles 1

[askmewhy]

Hello to all,

I am currently working on a prototype vehicle, which is rear wheel driven and steered, it has 2 front wheels and 1 rear wheel.

My questions are these: I already understood the different steering geometries involve in front steered vehicles but are those principles also applicable in a rear steered vehicle?
Lastly how would you calculate the turning radius for a rear steered vehicle, it the calculation same for a front steered vehicle?

The prototype is build for low speeds (30-45kph), monocoque, no suspension and 60kg load

Any comment is warmly appreciated..

 

[GregLocock]

I hope the CG is low. Turning radius calc is the same, single wheel steer is rather different to two wheels, you basically want a bicycle front wheel's geometry in terms of hub lead and castor.

That car will be disconcerting to drive for anyone used to front wheel steer.

Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[askmewhy]

Actually the current model is a front wheel steer. We have about 8-9m turning radius, forgive me if I don't understand how would the two types would be the same if the front wheels are fix and the rear is moving by 6 degrees left and right?

 

[GregLocock]

I said the calculation is the same. If you change the amount of lock then the steering circle will be different. How much lock does your current front steer system have?



Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?