Steering System Characterization
To understand steering system characteristics of interest, such as friction, performance, modal, transmissibility, environmental, etc.
Characterizing automotive steering systems is critical to achieving precise vehicle control, consistent steering feel, and safe handling performance. These evaluations quantify friction, stiffness, compliance, dynamic response, and vibration transmission across operating conditions. Automotive OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, independent test laboratories, and academic research institutions conduct steering system characterization to support system development, validate simulation models, benchmark competitive vehicles, and ensure steering performance meets global engineering standards.
Test Methods
Automotive steering system characterization methods follow SAE and ISO practices that define how steering torque, force, displacement, and dynamic inputs are applied and measured. Laboratory testing applies controlled rotary and linear steering inputs to evaluate friction, hysteresis, on-center behavior, and performance repeatability. Steering components are tested under representative axial, lateral, and vertical loads using rigid mounting and boundary conditions to assess structural compliance and kinematic behavior. Dynamic testing evaluates frequency response, modal characteristics, and vibration transmissibility through the steering path. Environmental conditions may be introduced to assess performance sensitivity. Hybrid simulation techniques integrate physical steering hardware with real-time vehicle models, enabling repeatable evaluation of steering behavior and system interactions under realistic operating scenarios.
Test Results
Steering system characterization results are used to quantify steering effort, friction, compliance, dynamic response, and vibration transmission. Automotive manufacturers and suppliers apply this data to refine steering feel, tune control strategies, and validate CAE models. Test laboratories and research institutions use results for benchmarking, system integration studies, and development of advanced steering technologies.
MTS Product Solutions
MTS offers a focused portfolio of steering system characterization solutions supporting component and subsystem testing. These solutions combine precise actuation, high-bandwidth control, configurable mechanical interfaces, and hybrid simulation capabilities. Together, they enable realistic load application, repeatable test conditions, and accurate measurement of steering performance, compliance, and dynamic behavior throughout the development process.
Test Methods
Automotive steering system characterization methods follow SAE and ISO practices that define how steering torque, force, displacement, and dynamic inputs are applied and measured. Laboratory testing applies controlled rotary and linear steering inputs to evaluate friction, hysteresis, on-center behavior, and performance repeatability. Steering components are tested under representative axial, lateral, and vertical loads using rigid mounting and boundary conditions to assess structural compliance and kinematic behavior. Dynamic testing evaluates frequency response, modal characteristics, and vibration transmissibility through the steering path. Environmental conditions may be introduced to assess performance sensitivity. Hybrid simulation techniques integrate physical steering hardware with real-time vehicle models, enabling repeatable evaluation of steering behavior and system interactions under realistic operating scenarios.
Test Results
Steering system characterization results are used to quantify steering effort, friction, compliance, dynamic response, and vibration transmission. Automotive manufacturers and suppliers apply this data to refine steering feel, tune control strategies, and validate CAE models. Test laboratories and research institutions use results for benchmarking, system integration studies, and development of advanced steering technologies.
MTS Product Solutions
MTS offers a focused portfolio of steering system characterization solutions supporting component and subsystem testing. These solutions combine precise actuation, high-bandwidth control, configurable mechanical interfaces, and hybrid simulation capabilities. Together, they enable realistic load application, repeatable test conditions, and accurate measurement of steering performance, compliance, and dynamic behavior throughout the development process.
- FlexTest® Controllers provide high-bandwidth, multichannel control for steering torque, force, and displacement inputs. Their real-time control capabilities enable stable, repeatable characterization of steering friction, compliance, and dynamic performance.
- Hybrid Simulation: mHIL Steer integrates physical steering hardware with real-time vehicle models. This hybrid simulation approach enables safe, repeatable evaluation of steering system behavior, control strategies, and vehicle-level interactions under realistic operating conditions.
- Electric & Hydraulic Power Steering Test Systems apply controlled rotary and linear inputs to electric and hydraulic steering assemblies. They enable detailed measurement of torque, friction, hysteresis, and performance across representative operating and environmental conditions.
- Kinematic & Compliance (K&C) Deflection Measurement Systems measure steering-related compliance and deflection within suspension and axle assemblies. These measurements quantify load paths and steering-induced wheel motion critical to handling and response development.
- Axle Carrier Fixtures (ACF) provide rigid, configurable mounting for steering and suspension subsystems. They enable realistic load application, precise alignment, and repeatable boundary conditions during steering system characterization testing.
- Modular Components for Automotive Test Applications support flexible steering test configurations tailored to specific architectures and load requirements. Their adaptability enables efficient system reconfiguration and integration across steering characterization test environments.
