MM/CV212: : METALLURGY & MATERIAL SCIENCE
MATERIAL SELECTION FOR POWER STEERING SYSTEM OF SUV’s
Shahil Kumar [S11199107]; Kirsten Jang [S11199858]; Priyansha Sharma [S11196086]; Ronita Kumar [S11185520]
Introduction:
A power steering system is a device that minimizes human
physical effort by requiring less muscle than manual steering
to maneuver the car. Earlier, cars had manual steering, which
required a lot of strength to turn the car, and as a result, the
driver would easily become tired. However, due to
technological advancements, we now have power steering,
which is designed in such a way that when a car is turned in
one direction, the power steering senses the force and the
driver does not need to exert any additional effort to turn the
car.
Major Components
Selection Process
Desirable properties of each component
Idler Arm
-High mechanical strength
- Non corrosive
- Temperature tolerant
- Durable
- Cost effective
- Environmental Friendly
Tie Rod
-High value of modulus of elasticity of stiffness
-High fracture toughness against crack and wear
-High yield strength against fatigue
-Suitable cost
Ball Nut Rack
-Non corrosive
-machineable
IDLER ARM- The idler is found on the passenger side and is -High mechanical strength
- Wear resistant
- cost effective
used to support the centre link and the tie rod end, by holding Temperature tolerant
it up to the required height to help relay the movement of the
pitman arm.
Materials that meet this Requirements
TIE ROD- Tie rods helps steer the car. The tie rod consists of
two parts, an inner end and an outer end. The ball joint and
tie rod work together to transmit power from the center link to
the "knuckle" of the steering. Simply put, tie rods help smooth
steering and alignment of the front end of the vehicle.
BALL NUT RACK- Friction is reduced by using steel balls.
Furthermore, these balls can recirculate in a loop system by
rolling in and out. The steering column moves the worm gear
at the end of the shaft as the driver rotates the steering wheel.
It causes the steering linkage to move by moving the
recalculating the balls.
RESULTS/ DISCUSSION
Properties Rating
Steel was chosen as
the only material
because it has a
high mechanical
strength, which is a
highly crucial
feature. The entire
steering system
would fail if the
mechanical strength
was low.
Conclusion
PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
Idler Arm
Tie Rods
Ball Nut Rack
-Incorporate materials with a considerable differential in modulus of elasticity
to enable ductile material to slide over tougher material, minimizing wear.
- Lubricate the ball nut rack to reduce friction and heat generation
References