Modelling of Mesh Friction and Mechanical Efficiency of Rack and Pinion Steering Design

Mathematical modeling of the mesh friction of a rack and pinion system has been carried out in order to predict the mesh friction of a steering gear. The three dimensional gear geometry and force diagram of a rack and pinion gear is represented in vector form. With proper boundary conditions applied to the equations, the mathematical model simulates the friction forces resulting from the mesh.

An experimental apparatus was also built to measure mesh friction between a rack and pinion. A number of rack and pinion steering gears have been tested under several load conditions. Experimental results are then compared with the simulation results to verify the mathematical model.