YesThe fundamentals and preliminary analyses of an innovative future technology referred
to as `semi-active steering' (SAS) are presented in this article. The proposed steering system
configuration is similar to a conventional electrical power-assisted steering with the replacement
of the rigid steering shaft with a low stiffness resilient shaft (LSRS), the presence of which allows
`active control¿ to be performed on vehicles similar to the concept of full steer-by-wire (SBW).
But, unlike SBW, the LSRS is an integral part of the system characteristics. The advantages of the
semi-active system in comparison with SBWand other conventional systems are demonstrated.
A mathematical model to predict the mechanical properties of the LSRS has been developed, and
experiments were conducted on a medium-sized car fitted with an LSRS to verify that vehicle
stability and drivability can be ensured in the event of active system failure. The results have
indicated that the vehicle was stable and safe to be driven at low speeds, and is predicted to
be driveable and safe at higher speeds. It is concluded that an SAS system of this type has the
potential to improve the safety of SBW systems
