Hi, Spitters.
There is one other factor that enters into the formula (Formula :) --
resonance. The rack/pinion/tierods/steering column/steering
wheel/tires/wheels/what-have-you are not perfectly rigid, but have
distributed masses and spring rates which can resonate, provided the
correct input frequencies. Larger steering wheels form a flywheel at
the top of the steering column that can shake like bu**ery if the
vehicle speed is right. Smaller steering wheels, with lightening
holes in the spokes, provide a higher-frequency system (which is
easier to control and less fatiguing to operate.) Ditto lighter
wheels and tires, which also contribute to better sprung/unsprung
weight ratio and reduced rotating inertia. i.e. faster linear
acceleration.
Donald. (at the risk of sounding like an engineer.)
>
> In a message dated 6/17/99 3:17:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Laura.G@141.com
> writes:
>
> > Someone at a car show a few weeks ago told me that a larger steering wheel
> > gives more control.
>
> Laura,
>
> At the risk of sounding like a male chauvinist pig....<g>...!
>
[snip]
> What do you want -- precision or speed? Evidently, race drivers want speed,
> truck drivers want precision? On the other hand, maybe F1 cars use a small
> wheel because there just isn't enough room for a large wheel? Or, perhaps,
> the F1 driver can't afford to reposition his hands for a large turn, as he
> would have to do with a larger wheel? If you watch a truck driver make a
> large turn, you can see his hands get quite busy.
>
> I'll get off the MCP stand now, and say I don't know -- maybe some of the
> race drivers on the list would care to comment? I'm curious myself as to why
> the small wheel.
>
> Dan Masters,
> Alcoa, TN
>
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