Rollover detection and control on the non-driven axles of trucks based on pulsed braking excitation

The major challenges for rollover detection are the accurate modelling of vehicle dynamics and the real-time estimation of the varied parameters. To circumvent the dependence on vehicle parameters, a novel rollover detection method based on the pulsed braking excitation is proposed. With the lateral load transfer ratio (LTR), the relationship between rollover risks and non-driven wheel rotational dynamics is deduced, which is the basis to apply braking excitation on wheels. The lateral acceleration is adopted as the first criterion to activate the rollover detection. Once the pulsed braking is applied to the non-driven wheels, the braking pressure and wheel angular speeds are measured to estimate the LTR on the non-driven axle. In case of emergency, the differential braking-based anti-rollover is implemented. Experiments were conducted on a Hardware-in-Loop bench. The results show that, the pulsed braking can be activated timely, and the LTR on the non-driven axle is estimated accurately. With the anti-rollover control, the roll stability is improved considerably.     

Contour line of load transfer ratio for vehicle rollover prediction

For vehicle rollover control systems, an accurate and predictive rollover index is necessary for a precise rollover threat detection and rollover prevention. In this paper, the contour line of load transfer ratio (CL-LTR) and the CL-LTR-based vehicle rollover index (CLRI) are proposed, describing LTR threshold and LTR change rate precisely, providing an accurate prediction of vehicle rollover threat. In detail, the CL-LTR is proposed via the roll dynamics phase plane analysis, and its analytical solution of one-degree-of-freedom vehicle roll model and extension for full vehicle are derived. Moreover, the predictive CLRI is proposed and evaluated via vehicle dynamics study. The results demonstrate that vehicle rollover threat is predicted accurately based on the CLRI, which shows benefits for the vehicle rollover prediction and stability control.     

三轴汽车前后轮角输入时的响应特性

本文详细推导了三轴汽车线性二自由度模型的运动微分方程，分析了汽车对前后轮角输入时的移居记响应特性。从汽车动力学的角度讨论了前后轮转应具备的比例关系。该方法同样适用于其它多轴汽车的建模分析。     

Rollover risk prediction of heavy vehicles by reliability index and empirical modelling

This paper focuses on a combination of a reliability-based approach and an empirical modelling approach for rollover risk assessment of heavy vehicles. A reliability-based warning system is developed to alert the driver to a potential rollover before entering into a bend. The idea behind the proposed methodology is to estimate the rollover risk by the probability that the vehicle load transfer ratio (LTR) exceeds a critical threshold. Accordingly, a so-called reliability index may be used as a measure to assess the vehicle safe functioning. In the reliability method, computing the maximum of LTR requires to predict the vehicle dynamics over the bend which can be in some cases an intractable problem or time-consuming. With the aim of improving the reliability computation time, an empirical model is developed to substitute the vehicle dynamics and rollover models. This is done by using the SVM (Support Vector Machines) algorithm. The preliminary obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.     

An improvement in rollover detection of articulated vehicles using the grey system theory

A Rollover Index combined with the grey system theory, called a Grey Rollover Index (GRI), is proposed to assess the rollover threat for articulated vehicles with a tractor–semitrailer combination. This index can predict future trends of vehicle dynamics based on current vehicle motion; thus, it is suitable for vehicle-rollover detection. Two difficulties are encountered when applying the GRI for rollover detection. The first difficulty is effectively predicting the rollover threat of the vehicles, and the second difficulty is achieving a definite definition of the real rollover timing of a vehicle. The following methods are used to resolve these problems. First, a nonlinear mathematical model is constructed to accurately describe the vehicle dynamics of articulated vehicles. This model is combined with the GRI to predict rollover propensity. Finally, TruckSim^? software is used to determine the real rollover timing and facilitate the accurate supply of information to the rollover detection system through the GRI. This index is used to verify the simulation based on the common manoeuvres that cause rollover accidents to reduce the occurrence of false signals and effectively increase the efficiency of the rollover detection system.     

Roll Dynamics of Commercial Vehicles

An analytical model is developed here for studying the roll dynamics of commercial vehicles. Large displacements and rotations are accounted for in this nonlinear model so that it can be used for the study of roll dynamics well beyond the limits of wheel lift-off. The model is used to illustrate some of the dynamic phenomena in vehicle rollover, especially the interactive coupling between the roll and the vertical modes of motion. The influence of suspension backlash on rollover resistance is demonstrated, and the phenomenon of roll motion resonance is illustrated to suggest new means for evaluating vehicle rollover sensitivity.     

Bus mathematical model of acceleration threshold limit estimation in lateral rollover test

Vehicle safety is a major concerns for researchers, governments and vehicle manufacturers, and therefore a special attention is paid to it. Particularly, rollover is one of the types of accidents where researchers have focused due to the gravity of injuries and the social impact it generates. One of the parameters that define bus lateral behaviour is the acceleration threshold limit, which is defined as the lateral acceleration from which the rollover process begins to take place. This parameter can be obtained by means of a lateral rollover platform test or estimated by means of mathematical models. In this paper, the differences between these methods are deeply analysed, and a new mathematical model is proposed to estimate the acceleration threshold limit in the lateral rollover test. The proposed model simulates the lateral rollover test, and, for the first time, it includes the effect of a variable position of the centre of gravity. Finally, the maximum speed at which the bus can travel in a bend without rolling over is computed.     

Dynamic Behaviour of a Mobile Robot Vehicle with a Two Caster and Two Driving Wheel Configuration

The actual trajectory covered by a mobile robot in motion differs from the trajectory planned on the basis of the kinematic characteristics of its directional control system. This difference is essentially related to the behaviour of wheel-road contact, the influence of dynamic loads and the presence of caster wheels.

This paper presents a mathematical model (“ DDPP) which simulates the motion of a generic mobile robot vehicle with a propulsion and directional control system based on two independent driving wheels and two caster wheels.

The differential equations of motion have been obtained by applying modified equations of Lagrange.

The role played by the dynamic loads, the wheel-road contact features and the caster wheels is discussed hereof.     

Design of a rollover index-based vehicle stability control scheme

This paper presents a rollover index (RI)-based vehicle stability control (VSC) scheme. A rollover index, which indicates an impending rollover, is developed by a roll dynamics phase plane analysis. A model-based roll estimator is designed to estimate the roll angle and roll rate of the vehicle body with lateral acceleration, yaw rate, steering angle and vehicle velocity measurements. The rollover index is computed using an estimated roll angle, estimated roll rate, measured lateral acceleration and time-to-wheel lift. A differential braking control law is designed using a direct yaw control method. The VSC threshold is determined from the rollover index. The effectiveness of the RI, the performance of the estimator and the control scheme are investigated via simulations using a validated vehicle simulator. It is shown that the proposed RI can be a good measure of the danger of rollover and the proposed RI-based VSC scheme can reduce the risk of a rollover.     

Two-Dimensional Motion of Vehicles Damaged due to Collision

This paper deals with two-dimensional motion analysis of vehicles damaged due to collision. Various parts of vehicles are damaged due to collision in general. The effects of the damage in vehicle body and wheels on the vehicle motions are investigated. The center of gravity of the vehicle and the polar moment of inertia are changed by the deformation of vehicle body. Furthermore, the geometrical relations of wheels like wheelbase, treads and steering angles may be changed by damage of the wheels. Thus the vehicle loses symmetry with respect to the vehicle axis. The four-wheel vehicle model is extended to take into account the vehicle damage due to collision. The motions of damaged vehicles are compared with those of undamaged vehicles. It is found that vehicle damages have a significant influence on vehicle motion after impact.     

Two-Dimensional Motion of Vehicles Damaged due to Collision

This paper deals with two-dimensional motion analysis of vehicles damaged due to collision. Various parts of vehicles are damaged due to collision in general. The effects of the damage in vehicle body and wheels on the vehicle motions are investigated. The center of gravity of the vehicle and the polar moment of inertia are changed by the deformation of vehicle body. Furthermore, the geometrical relations of wheels like wheelbase, treads and steering angles may be changed by damage of the wheels. Thus the vehicle loses symmetry with respect to the vehicle axis. The four-wheel vehicle model is extended to take into account the vehicle damage due to collision. The motions of damaged vehicles are compared with those of undamaged vehicles. It is found that vehicle damages have a significant influence on vehicle motion after impact.     

New Model of Tire Overturning Moment Characteristics and Analysis of Their Influence on Vehicle Rollover Behavior

A newly developed tire model for the Overturning Moment (OTM) characteristics and the analysis of the influence of OTM on vehicle rollover behavior are presented. The new OTM model was developed based on the so-called Magic Formula tire model. The concept of the new model involves identifying the difference between the simple model and the measurements to the newly defined functions. It was seen that the new model agrees very well with the measured data over a wide range of tire vertical loads, slip angles and camber angles. The influence of tire OTM on the vehicle rollover behavior was also investigated by using a full vehicle simulation in which a rather large steering angle was input. The results obtained from the vehicle simulation with three different tire models (model without OTM, simple model and new model) were compared with the experimental results. It was found that the calculated result obtained with the new OTM model agreed best with the experiment.     

Analysis of vehicle rollover dynamics using a high-fidelity model

Recent data show that 35% of fatal crashes in sport utility vehicles included vehicle rollover. At the same time, experimental testing to improve safety is expensive and dangerous. Therefore, multi-body simulation is used in this research to improve the understanding of rollover dynamics. The majority of previous work uses low-fidelity models. Here, a complex and highly nonlinear multi-body model with 165 degrees of freedom is correlated to vehicle kinematic and compliance (K&C) measurements. The Magic Formula tyre model is employed. Design of experiment methodology is used to identify tyre properties affecting vehicle rollover. A novel, statistical approach is used to link suspension K&C characteristics with rollover propensity. Research so far reveals that the tyre properties that have the greatest influence on vehicle rollover are friction coefficient, friction variation with load, camber stiffness and tyre vertical stiffness. Key K&C characteristics affecting rollover propensity are front and rear suspension rate, front roll stiffness, front camber gain, front and rear camber compliance and rear jacking force.     

New Model of Tire Overturning Moment Characteristics and Analysis of Their Influence on Vehicle Rollover Behavior

A newly developed tire model for the Overturning Moment (OTM) characteristics and the analysis of the influence of OTM on vehicle rollover behavior are presented. The new OTM model was developed based on the so-called Magic Formula tire model. The concept of the new model involves identifying the difference between the simple model and the measurements to the newly defined functions. It was seen that the new model agrees very well with the measured data over a wide range of tire vertical loads, slip angles and camber angles. The influence of tire OTM on the vehicle rollover behavior was also investigated by using a full vehicle simulation in which a rather large steering angle was input. The results obtained from the vehicle simulation with three different tire models (model without OTM, simple model and new model) were compared with the experimental results. It was found that the calculated result obtained with the new OTM model agreed best with the experiment.     

汽车侧翻和滚翻事故建模研究

分析汽车在侧翻和滚翻过程中的受力状态和轮胎或车身与路面的相互作用方式,建立汽车侧翻和滚翻的运动学和动力学模型,揭示汽车临界侧翻碰撞力与持续作用时间等参数的关系,推导侧翻车辆侧向速度的范围,确定滚筒模型中关键参数的选取方法。事故案例表明模型在实际应用中效果良好、定量准确、直观性强。     

基于车辆稳定性的改扩建高速公路横坡方案安全性评价研究

针对改扩建高速公路单侧加宽方案老路利用时可能存在的行车稳定性问题,应用基于车辆动力学的建模仿真方法,采用联合仿真技术,在Carsim/Trucksim仿真软件中得到车辆在横坡组合路段行驶过程中车轮的垂直载荷与车辆侧向加速度;在Simulink中计算车辆的横向载荷转移率和侧向加速度;通过上述指标分析车辆横向侧翻和侧滑稳定性,判断车辆在改扩建公路横坡组合路段上的行驶稳定性;联合仿真结果表明,车辆在横向坡度为2%和1.5%、换道路长为120 m和80 m的横坡组合路段上行驶均具有良好的横向稳定性;该方法可用于其他道路和驾驶行为的车辆稳定性分析.      

Modeling to Predict Rollover Threat of Tractor-Semitrailers

Summary A predictive model to determine a rollover threat index associated with tractor-semitrailers is proposed. The purpose of this model is to predict the rollover threat sufficiently in advance of the actual event so as to enable the driver to react accordingly. The predictive model is established using simple roll-plane models of the vehicle sprung and unsprung masses in conjunction with online vehicle parameter identification. Using this predictive model, the predicted Load Transfer Ratio (LTR) for the trailer axle can be determined as the rollover threat index. The proposed predictive model and the associated parameter-identification algorithm are verified using a 12-degree-of-freedom vehicle model. It is shown that the identified parameter values are close to the actual ones used in detailed simulation study. Similarly it is shown that the predicted values of the LTR are close to the simulated ones, and hence the proposed approach is potentially suitable as the basis for application in rollover threat assessment.     

多用途乘用车侧翻稳定性能动态测试方法研究

对比分析了国内外车辆侧翻稳定性相关的标准法规的基本情况。研究了车辆发生侧翻的类型和机理,基于侧向加速度判断车辆侧翻状态的方法,通过整车道路试验对比了正弦停滞试验和鱼钩试验诱导车辆发生侧翻的效果,初步探讨了多用途乘用车侧翻稳定性动态测试方法和评价指标,为国内车辆侧翻稳定系统的开发和测评标准的制定提供了参考。     

Integrated chassis control for a three-axle electric bus with distributed driving motors and active rear steering system

This paper describes an integrated chassis control framework for a novel three-axle electric bus with active rear steering (ARS) axle and four motors at the middle and rear wheels. The proposed integrated framework consists of four parts: (1) an active speed limiting controller is designed for anti-body slip control and rollover prevention; (2) an ARS controller is designed for coordinating the tyre wear between the driving wheels; (3) an inter-axle torque distribution controller is designed for optimal torque distribution between the axles, considering anti-wheel slip and battery power limitations and (4) a data acquisition and estimation module for collecting the measured and estimated vehicle states. To verify the performances, a simulation platform is established in Trucksim software combined with Simulink. Three test cases are particularly designed to show the performances. The proposed algorithm is compared with a simple even control algorithm. The test results show satisfactory lateral stability and rollover prevention performances under severe steering conditions. The desired tyre wear coordinating performance is also realised, and the wheel slip ratios are restricted within stable region during intensive driving and emergency braking with complicated road conditions.     

High Speed Stability and Curving Performance of Longitudinally Unsymmetric Trucks with Semi-active Control

The possibility of improving both the dynamic stability and curving performance of railway trucks through the use of semi-active control is discussed. According to the direction of vehicle motion, the truck parameters are switched in a longitudinally asymmetric manner. Using a method of evaluation proposed here, the stability of trucks having the same steering ability was examined using linear models. A truck equipped with independently rotating wheels on the trailing axle and with unsymmetric primary suspension has the best performance. A realistic method of achieving this is proposed: using harder primary longitudinal stiffness on the trailing axle and using a primary yaw damper only on the leading, allows bidirectional operation by changing the damping force.