Evaluation and Simulation of wheel Steering Functionality on a Road to Rig Test Bench

The automotive industry is continuously evolving, demanding innovative approaches to enhance testing methodologies and preventively identify potential issues. This paper proposes an advanced test approach in the area of the overall vehicle system including the steering system and powertrain on a Road to Rig test bench. The research aims to revolutionize the conventional testing process by identifying faults at an early stage and eliminating the need to rely solely on field tests. The motivation behind this research is to optimize the test bench setup and bring it even closer to real field tests. Key highlights of the publication include the introduction of an expanded load spectrum, incorporating both steering angle and speed parameters along the test track. The load includes different route and driving profiles like on a freeway, overland and city drive in combination with the steering angles. Furthermore, for the first instance, specific driving manoeuvres, including slalom driving and autonomous parking, can now be simulated and tested. Also, there are critical driving scenarios like the standardized severe lane-change manoeuvre. This innovative approach not only refines the accuracy of steering simulations but also provides a comprehensive representation of real-world driving conditions. The paper also outlines the development and verification of a design specifically tailored for the test bench environment. This comprehensive approach ensures the reliability and applicability of the proposed steering simulation methodology. The integration of multibody simulations further enhances the study by elucidating the individual component loads.