could anyone (chet, alan, q45 etc.) explain ackermann?

[chmercer]

ive been reading around about this and its not making a whole lot of sense to me. it is the difference in angle between the front wheels when turned, since the inner and outer wheels will be on a different radius, correct? what effect does modifying this have on steering? any other info?

[hannibal]

I got curious...

Having a high Ackermann factor is useful in taking tight corners at low speed. At higher speeds its usefulness is dubious. In fact, during high-speed cornering the dynamic effects compensate for the Ackermann effect and some even suggested using a negative Ackermann angle, which is sometimes referred to as anti-Ackermann steering. For a racing car, it is common to use zero Ackermann (ie parallel steering).

from this sitehttp://www.mech.uq.edu.au/cour...1.htm

Your definition is correct...

[Onizuka]

My car is equipped with CVAA (Continuously Variable Ackerman Angle) ala loose right tie rod connection with steering rack

[Dori Dori]

The Ackerman concept is pretty straight forward really. Imagine you're driving around in circles. Your inside wheel would be on a tighter circle than your outside wheel. If your steering used the ackerman steering principles, your inside wheel would be turned at a greater angle...if not, your two front tires would be fighting each other and you'd have a reduction in grip.

Here you go, play with the concept here: http://www.compgoparts.com/tec...n.asp