A Prototype Steering Weave Stabilizer for Automobiles

A prototype high-speed steering stabilizer for automobiles applies transient steering torques so that the sum of natural steering restoring torque and the control torque is more nearly in phase with steer angle than the natural restoring torque alone. The resulting reduction in the phase lag from steer angle to restoring torque mitigates the steering weave mode. Since steering restoring torque is nearly proportional to vehicle lateral acceleration, weave controller circuitry could subtract instantaneous lateral acceleration from expected steady-state lateral acceleration calculated from steer angle and vehicle speed, and thence command a steering torque actuator depending on the difference signal. The prototype performs the same function using a concentrated mass on the lower steering wheel rim which is passively sensitive to both steer angle and lateral acceleration, thereby applying only transient steering torques in the desired manner at a vehicle speed of 30 m/s. The additional steering system inertia alone affects the weave mode, so a non-stabilizing configuration with the same mass distributed around the steering wheel rim is tested for direct comparison. The experimental data show a dramatic stabilization of weave for the configuration which applies control torque.