Steady Turning of Two-Wheeled Vehicles

When driving along a circular path, the driver of a motorcycle controls the vehicle mainly by means of steering torque. If low steering torque is necessary, the driver feels that the vehicle is manoeuvrable. In this paper, a mathematical model concerning steering torque is developed; it takes into account the actual kinematic behaviour of the vehicle and the properties of motorcycle tyres. Tyre forces act at the contact points of toroidal tyres, which are calculated according to kinematic analysis. Non-linear equations are solved using an iterative approach. Several numerical results are presented, and the influence of tyre properties and some geometrical and inertial properties of the vehicle on steering torque are discussed.     

A model of driver steering control incorporating the driver's sensing of steering torque

Steering feel, or steering torque feedback, is widely regarded as an important aspect of the handling quality of a vehicle. Despite this, there is little theoretical understanding of its role. This paper describes an initial attempt to model the role of steering torque feedback arising from lateral tyre forces. The path-following control of a nonlinear vehicle model is implemented using a time-varying model predictive controller. A series of Kalman filters are used to represent the driver's ability to generate estimates of the system states from noisy sensory measurements, including the steering torque. It is found that under constant road friction conditions, the steering torque feedback reduces path-following errors provided the friction is sufficiently high to prevent frequent saturation of the tyres. When the driver model is extended to allow identification of, and adaptation to, a varying friction condition, it is found that the steering torque assists in the accurate identification of the friction condition. The simulation results give insight into the role of steering torque feedback arising from lateral tyre forces. The paper concludes with recommendations for further work.     

Advanced emergency braking under split friction conditions and the influence of a destabilising steering wheel torque

The steering system in most heavy trucks is such that it causes a destabilising steering wheel torque when braking on split friction, that is, different friction levels on the two sides of the vehicle. Moreover, advanced emergency braking systems are now mandatory in most heavy trucks, making vehicle-induced split friction braking possible. This imposes higher demands on understanding how the destabilising steering wheel torque affects the driver, which is the focus here. Firstly, an experiment has been carried out involving 24 subjects all driving a truck where automatic split friction braking was emulated. Secondly, an existing driver–vehicle model has been adapted and implemented to improve understanding of the observed outcome. A common conclusion drawn, after analysing results, is that the destabilising steering wheel torque only has a small effect on the motion of the vehicle. The underlying reason is a relatively slow ramp up of the disturbance in comparison to the observed cognitive delay amongst subjects; also the magnitude is low and initially suppressed by passive driver properties.     

客车主销定位角和回正力矩的计算及关系

推导出车辆主销定位参数引起的回正力矩计算公式;分析主销定位参数的作用;提出直线行驶的车辆,虽然没有侧向力的作用,但其左右转向轮仍有预加的回正力矩,以及回正力矩与主销偏移距没有关系的结论。     

A path-following driver–vehicle model with neuromuscular dynamics,including measured and simulated responses to a step in steering angle overlay

An existing driver–vehicle model with neuromuscular dynamics is improved in the areas of cognitive delay, intrinsic muscle dynamics and alpha–gamma co-activation. The model is used to investigate the influence of steering torque feedback and neuromuscular dynamics on the vehicle response to lateral force disturbances. When steering torque feedback is present, it is found that the longitudinal position of the lateral disturbance has a significant influence on whether the driver’s reflex response reinforces or attenuates the effect of the disturbance. The response to angle and torque overlay inputs to the steering system is also investigated. The presence of the steering torque feedback reduced the disturbing effect of torque overlay and angle overlay inputs. Reflex action reduced the disturbing effect of a torque overlay input, but increased the disturbing effect of an angle overlay input. Experiments on a driving simulator showed that measured handwheel angle response to an angle overlay input was consistent with the response predicted by the model with reflex action. However, there was significant intra- and inter-subject variability. The results highlight the significance of a driver’s neuromuscular dynamics in determining the vehicle response to disturbances.     

An investigation on motor-driven power steering-based crosswind disturbance compensation for the reduction of driver steering effort

This paper describes a lateral disturbance compensation algorithm for an application to a motor-driven power steering (MDPS)-based driver assistant system. The lateral disturbance including wind force and lateral load transfer by bank angle reduces the driver's steering refinement and at the same time increases the possibility of an accident. A lateral disturbance compensation algorithm is designed to determine the motor overlay torque of an MDPS system for reducing the manoeuvreing effort of a human driver under lateral disturbance. Motor overlay torque for the compensation of driver's steering torque induced by the lateral disturbance consists of human torque feedback and feedforward torque. Vehicle–driver system dynamics have been investigated using a combined dynamic model which consists of a vehicle dynamic model, driver steering dynamic model and lateral disturbance model. The human torque feedback input has been designed via the investigation of the vehicle–driver system dynamics. Feedforward input torque is calculated to compensate additional tyre self-aligning torque from an estimated lateral disturbance. The proposed compensation algorithm has been implemented on a developed driver model which represents the driver's manoeuvreing characteristics under the lateral disturbance. The developed driver model has been validated with test data via a driving simulator in a crosswind condition. Human-in-the-loop simulations with a full-scale driving simulator on a virtual test track have been conducted to investigate the real-time performance of the proposed lateral disturbance compensation algorithm. It has been shown from simulation studies and human-in-the-loop simulation results that the driver's manoeuvreing effort and a lateral deviation of the vehicle under the lateral disturbance can be significantly reduced via the lateral disturbance compensation algorithm.     

Driver steering and muscle activity during a lane-change manoeuvre

The article reports an experimental study of driver steering control behaviour in a lane-change manoeuvre. Eight test subjects were instrumented with electromyography to measure muscle activation and co-contraction. Each subject completed 30 lane-change manoeuvres with one vehicle on a fixed-base driving simulator. For each driver, the steering torque feedback characteristic was changed after every ten manoeuvres; the response of the vehicle to steering angle inputs was not changed. Drivers' control strategies were found to be robust to changes in steering torque feedback. Path-following errors, muscle activity and muscle co-contraction all reduce with the number of lane-changes performed by the driver, suggesting the existence of a learning process. Comparing the test subjects, there was some evidence that high levels of co-contraction were used to allow high-frequency steering inputs to be generated. The results contribute to the understanding of vehicle–driver (and more generally, human–machine) dynamic interaction.     

Optimisation of driver actions in RWD race car including tyre thermodynamics

ABSTRACT

The paper presents an innovative method for a lap time minimisation by using genetic algorithms for a multi objective optimisation of a race driver–vehicle model. The decision variables consist of 16 parameters responsible for actions of a professional driver (e.g. time traces for brake, accelerator and steering wheel) on a race track part with RH corner. Purpose-built, high fidelity, multibody vehicle model (called ‘miMa’) is described by 30 generalised coordinates and 440 parameters, crucial in motorsport. Focus is put on modelling of the tyre tread thermodynamics and its influence on race vehicle dynamics. Numerical example considers a Rear Wheel Drive BMW E36 prepared for track day events. In order to improve the section lap time (by 5%) and corner exit velocity (by 4%) a few different driving strategies are found depending on thermal conditions of semi-slick tyres. The process of the race driver adaptation to initially cold or hot tyres is explained.     

Common underlying steering curves for motorcycles in steady turns

We study the steady turn behaviours of some light motorcycle models on circular paths, using the commercial software package ADAMS-Motorcycle. Steering torque and steering angle are obtained for several path radii and a range of steady forward speeds. For path radii much greater than motorcycle wheelbase, and for all motorcycle parameters including tyre parameters held fixed, dimensional analysis can predict the asymptotic behaviour of steering torque and angle. In particular, steering torque is a function purely of lateral acceleration plus another such function divided by path radius. Of these, the first function is numerically determined, while the second is approximated by an analytically determined constant. Similarly, the steering angle is a function purely of lateral acceleration, plus another such function divided by path radius. Of these, the first is determined numerically while the second is determined analytically. Both predictions are verified through ADAMS simulations for various tyre and geometric parameters. In summary, steady circular motions of a given motorcycle with given tyre parameters can be approximately characterised by just one curve for steering torque and one for steering angle.     

Driver steering and muscle activity during a lane-change manoeuvre

The article reports an experimental study of driver steering control behaviour in a lane-change manoeuvre. Eight test subjects were instrumented with electromyography to measure muscle activation and co-contraction. Each subject completed 30 lane-change manoeuvres with one vehicle on a fixed-base driving simulator. For each driver, the steering torque feedback characteristic was changed after every ten manoeuvres; the response of the vehicle to steering angle inputs was not changed. Drivers' control strategies were found to be robust to changes in steering torque feedback. Path-following errors, muscle activity and muscle co-contraction all reduce with the number of lane-changes performed by the driver, suggesting the existence of a learning process. Comparing the test subjects, there was some evidence that high levels of co-contraction were used to allow high-frequency steering inputs to be generated. The results contribute to the understanding of vehicle-driver (and more generally, human-machine) dynamic interaction.     

Haptic steering support for driving near the vehicle’s handling limits; skid-pad case

Current vehicle dynamic control systems from simple yaw control to high-end active steering support systems are designed to primarily actuate on the vehicle itself, rather than stimulate the driver to adapt his/her inputs for better vehicle control. The driver though dictates the vehicle’s motion, and centralizing him/her in the control loop is hypothesized to promote safety and driving pleasure. Exploring the above statement, the goal of this study is to develop and evaluate a haptic steering support when driving near the vehicle’s handling limits (Haptic Support Near the Limits; HSNL). The support aims to promote the driver’s perception of the vehicle’s behaviour and handling capacity (the vehicle’s internal model) by providing haptic (torque) cues on the steering wheel. The HSNL has been evaluated in (a) driving simulator tests and (b) tests with a vehicle (Opel Astra G/B) equipped with a variable steering feedback torque system. Drivers attempted to achieve maximum velocity while trying to retain control in a circular skid-pad. In the simulator (a) 25 subjects drove a vehicle model parameterised as the Astra on a dry skid-pad while in (b) 17 subjects drove the real Astra on a wet skid-pad. Both the driving simulator and the real vehicle tests led to the conclusion that the HSNL assisted subjects to drive closer to the designated path while achieving effectively the same speed. With the HSNL the drivers operated the tires in smaller slip angles and hence avoided saturation of the front wheels’ lateral forces and excessive understeer. Finally, the HSNL reduced their mental and physical demand.     

利用A/T模型分析整车怠速振动性能

利用整车有限元模型计算出发动机曲轴转矩到驾驶员座椅和转向盘的加速度的传递函数,同时通过试验测量出发动机怠速时的输出转矩,因此,利用A/T模型可在汽车开发的前期较好地预测并控制整车怠速振动.最后以分析实例和试验验证了该方法在整车性能设计中的适用性和准确性.     

Effect of vertical and lateral coupling between tyre and road on vehicle rollover

The vehicle stability involves many aspects, such as the anti-rollover stability in extreme steering operations and the vehicle lateral stability in normal steering operations. The relationships between vehicle stabilities in extreme and normal circumstances obtain less attention according to the present research works. In this paper, the coupling interactions between vehicle anti-rollover and lateral stability, as well as the effect of road excitation, are taken into account on the vehicle rollover analysis. The results in this paper indicate that some parameters influence the different vehicle stabilities diversely or even contradictorily. And it has been found that there are contradictions between the vehicle rollover mitigation performance and the lateral stability. The direct cause for the contradiction is the lateral coupling between tyres and road. Tyres with high adhesion capacity imply that the vehicle possesses a high performance ability to keep driving direction, whereas the rollover risk of this vehicle increases due to the greater lateral force that tyres can provide. Furthermore, these contradictions are intensified indirectly by the vertical coupling between tyres and road. The excitation from road not only deteriorates the tyres’ adhesive condition, but also has a considerable effect on the rollover in some cases.     

The effect of the inflation pressure of tyres on motorcycle weave stability: experiments and simulation

Increasing the stability of a motorcycle requires an understanding of the optimal conditions of the tyre. The inflation pressure is one of the main parameters that directly affects the tyre properties, which in turn influences motorcycle stability and safety. This paper focuses on the effect of the inflation pressure of the tested tyres on motorcycle weave stability. Experimental data are collected from tests carried out in straight running at constant speed. The data analysis is based on stochastic subspace identification methods. Simulations are performed using an advanced motorcycle multi-body code with parameters measured from the tested vehicle. Finally, the comparison between simulations and experimental tests is discussed. The research results show an agreement between experimental tests and simulations where weave stability increases with inflation pressure for the specified range of tyre pressure.     

基于人机共驾的车道保持辅助控制系统研究（双语出版）

车道保持控制系统是汽车安全辅助驾驶的重要组成部分，可有效提高汽车主动安全性、避免车辆无意识地偏离本车道。目前，大部分车道保持控制系统在工作时将驾驶人的操作视为外界干扰，没有考虑人机共驾阶段下驾驶人与控制系统的控制权分配问题，易造成人机冲突、影响驾驶人的驾驶感受。论文兼顾驾驶人与辅助控制系统各自优势，基于人机共驾技术对车道保持控制系统进行研究。构建基于安全行驶区域与最晚预警边界相结合的车道偏离决策模型，在保证其预警精度的同时降低计算复杂性，根据车辆行驶状态和路面附着系数动态调整预警阈值；研究串级MPC-PID控制策略实现对车辆横向位置的控制，将最优问题转化为二次规划求得目标前轮转角，利用PID算法完成对目标前轮转角的跟踪；引入共驾系数对车辆的控制权进行分配，研究共驾系数分配模型，以车辆状态误差和驾驶人转向力矩作为模糊控制的输入变量、共驾系数作为输出变量，降低辅助控制系统与驾驶人之间的冲突；最后，利用CarSim与Simulink联合仿真对所研究的控制策略进行仿真验证，结果表明共驾系数能够根据驾驶人的操作和车辆运行状态的变化实现动态调整，辅助控制力矩与驾驶人输入力矩变化趋势相同，在保留驾驶人一定操作的基础下可避免车辆偏离车道、降低人机冲突。     

Lateral handling improvement with dynamic curvature control for an independent rear wheel drive EV

The integrated longitudinal and lateral dynamic motion control is important for four wheel independent drive (4WID) electric vehicles. Under critical driving conditions, direct yaw moment control (DYC) has been proved as effective for vehicle handling stability and maneuverability by implementing optimized torque distribution of each wheel, especially with independent wheel drive electric vehicles. The intended vehicle path upon driver steering input is heavily depending on the instantaneous vehicle speed, body side slip and yaw rate of a vehicle, which can directly affect the steering effort of driver. In this paper, we propose a dynamic curvature controller (DCC) by applying a the dynamic curvature of the path, derived from vehicle dynamic state variables; yaw rate, side slip angle, and speed of a vehicle. The proposed controller, combined with DYC and wheel longitudinal slip control, is to utilize the dynamic curvature as a target control parameter for a feedback, avoiding estimating the vehicle side-slip angle. The effectiveness of the proposed controller, in view of stability and improved handling, has been validated with numerical simulations and a series of experiments during cornering engaging a disturbance torque driven by two rear independent in-wheel motors of a 4WD micro electric vehicle.     

Effects of Free-Control Variables on Automobile Handling

Compared with the fixed-control case, relatively few studies of the effects on handling quality of the nature of the free-control response of an automobile to steering torque inputs have been reported. Prior to reviewing these studies, an attempt is made in this paper to provide a conceptual framework for assessing the results, by drawing on analytical and experimental work concerned with manual control in closed-loop tracking systems. Application of these ideas to the automobile shows that a fixed-control driver strategy is required where precise path control is necessary. Less demanding situations would allow a free-control driving mode. Steering task performance is found to be relatively insensitive to free-control vehicle responses. However, drivers exhibit clear preferences for certain ranges of steering torque gradient, and for rapid responses of steering wheel angle to torque inputs. Vehicle handling variables interact strongly in their effect on driver opinion. For example, the optimum steering torque gradient (in N m/G) decreases, and the optimum steering “stiffness” (in N m/rad) increases, as the fixed-control response sensitivity increases. Within fairly wide ranges, the damping of the free-control oscillatory mode has little effect on handling quality.     

Influencing driver chosen cornering speed by means of modified steering feel

This paper presents an investigation about influencing the driver's behaviour intuitively by means of modified steering feel. For a rollover indication through haptic feedback a model was developed and tested that returned a warning to the driver about too high vehicle speed. This was realised by modifying the experienced steering wheel torque as a function of the lateral acceleration. The hypothesis for this work was that drivers of heavy vehicles will perform with more margin of safety to the rollover threshold if the steering feel is altered by means of decreased or additionally increased steering wheel torque at high lateral acceleration. Therefore, the model was implemented in a test truck with active steering with torque overlay and used for a track test. Thirty-three drivers took part in the investigation that showed, depending on the parameter setting, a significant decrease of lateral acceleration while cornering.     

电子差速系统轮胎附着特性模拟仿真研究

电子差速系统相对于传统的机械式差速器可以实现转矩的精准分配,根据轮胎的纵向运动特性以及侧向运动特性,结合轮胎滑移率让内外侧车轮在过弯时拥有足够的附着力,减小整车的横摆角速度,提高过弯稳定性。采用后轮双电机的驱动方案,驱动电机采用直接转矩控制的方法,由整车控制器将指定的计算转矩信号发送给电机控制器完成动力分配,所需转矩根据驾驶员的加速踏板及方向盘转角,运用阿克曼转向模型计算得到。     

一种减轻装有EPS汽车转向扭矩的控制策略

本文提出了一种新的电动助力转向系统的控制策略,以减小车辆静止时改变方向所需的转向力。以前尝试通过减少不良的转向振动来减少转向扭矩失败的原因是因为高辅助增益往往会产生震荡或增加噪声敏感性。为了消除此种振动,开发出一种基于控制齿轮角速度的控制策略,它是在简化的转向模型的基础上开发出来的。这个实验获得了很好的齿轮角速度的估计值,这样就有可能消除方向盘所有旋转速度下的振动。实验证明在方向盘大转速变换下,转向扭矩显著降低,无振动传输给司机。所提出的控制策略使用一个辅助来获得超过原来的三倍以上的增益。此外,所提出的控制策略不需要补充传感器。