Additional 4WS and Driver Interaction

SUMMARY

This investigation is based on a complex 4-wheel vehicle model of a passenger car that includes steering system and drive train. The tyre properties are described for all possible combined longitudinal and lateral slip values and for arbitrary friction conditions. The active part is an additional steering system of all 4 wheels, additionally to the driver's steering wheel angle input. Three control levels are used for the driver model that thereby can follow a given trajectory or avoid an obstacle.

The feedback control of the additional 4 wheel steering is based on an observer which can also have adaptive characteristics. Moreover a virtual vehicle model in a feedforward scheme can provide desired steering characteristics.

To get information for critical situations a cornering manoeuvre with sudden u-split conditions is simulated. Further a similar manoeuvre is used to evaluate the reentry in a high friction area from low friction conditions. And finally the performance of the controller is shown in a severe lane change manoeuvre.     

Vergleich einiger Rechen- und Messergebnisse zum Fahrverhalten von Sattelzügen

In this paper some results of theoretical and experimental investigations on the dynamic directional properties of heavy tractor-semitrailer vehicles are presented.

A nonlinear digital computer model was developed on which the theoretical system analysis is based. This model takes account of the nonUnear tire properties and the friction couple of the fifth wheel. A combination of numerical computation methods (Runge-Kutta and Newton-Raphson techniques) is used for the digital computer simulation.

Full scale road tests with articulated vehicles of 38 ton total weight were conducted for experimental validation of the used theoretical model. As input signals to the vehicle, predetermined steering wheel angle functions were used. The system output signals corresponding to these input functions were measured and stored.

A comparison of the obtained theoretical and experimental results shows a very good qualitative agreement and hence leads to the conclusion that the developed theoretical model can give consistent estimates of the basic dynamic vehicle properties.     

Comparison of All-Wheel Steerings in the System Driver-Vehicle

Different load or tires and a drive on an ice-coated road can overcharge a driver to such an extend, that the result may be an accident. Therefore the aim of development is a self-acting compensation of the vehicle to different vehicle transfer behaviour (invariant vehicle behaviour).

The calculation of so called optimal characteristics shows, that only rear-wheel steering cannot realize this aim of development. Therefore an additional front-wheel angle, which is not influenced by the driver, is necessary. A transfer function can be calculated in order to get controlled steering of the rear wheels without the influence of load.

It is not possible to realize optimal characteristics, because the parameters of the vehicle are difficult to measure. Only an optimal diagnosis and control of driving condition realize a relief for the driver in every driving situation in order to avoid most of the accidents.

The often demanded sideslip angle compensation only worsens driving conditions on ice-coated roads. Therefore systems which identify the driving condition themselves have to be favoured in any case.     

Nähere Untersuchungen zur stationären Kurvenfahrt von Einspurfahrzeugen

Detailed Investigations of the Steady State Turning of Single Track Vehicles

In the paper the steady state turning of single track vehicles on a horizontal, even road is investigated, supposing the air to be at rest. The vehicle model used has six degrees of freedom: rolling, yawing, pitching and bouncing of the vehicle, rotation of the front wheel system (steering) relatively to the main frame and distortion of the rear wheel system due to limited stiffness of its linkage, and also takes into account wind drag and gyroscopic effects generated by wheels and other vehicle components. A special importance is given to the geometry of the vehicle

The results show a comparison of two types of motorcycles with different geometries and tires. To characterize the vehicle behaviour the roll, side slip and steering angle as functions of the normal acceleration are used. A more detailed study in respect to the steering torque is added.     

Nonlinear PI front and rear steering control in four wheel steering vehicles

Vehicle steering dynamics show resonances, which depend on the longitudinal speed, unstable equilibrium points and limited stability regions depending on the constant steering wheel angle, longitudinal speed and car parameters.

The main contribution of this paper is to show that a combined decentralized proportional active front steering control and proportional-integral active rear steering control from the yaw rate tracking error can assign the eigenvalues of the linearised single track steering dynamics, without lateral speed measurements, using a standard single track car model with nonlinear tire characteristics and a non-linear first-order reference model for the yaw rate dynamics driven by the driver steering wheel input. By choosing a suitable nonlinear reference model it is shown that the responses to driver step inputs tend to zero (or reduced) lateral speed for any value of longitudinal speed: in this case the resulting controlled vehicle static gain from driver input to yaw rate differs from the uncontrolled one at higher speed. The closed loop system shows the advantages of both active front and rear steering control: higher controllability, enlarged bandwidth for the yaw rate dynamics, suppressed resonances, new stable cornering manoeuvres, enlarged stability regions, reduced lateral speed and improved manoeuvrability; in addition comfort is improved since the phase lag between lateral acceleration and yaw rate is reduced.

For the designed control law a robustness analysis is presented with respect to system failures, driver step inputs and critical car parameters such as mass, moment of inertia and front and rear cornering stiffness coefficients. Several simulations are carried out on a higher order experimentally validated nonlinear dynamical model to confirm the analysis and to explore the robustness with respect to unmodelled dynamics.     

Development of a Strategy Model of the Driver in Lane Keeping

Based on vehicle constraints and known human operator characteristics, a strategy model was postulated for describing behavior in the lane keeping task. This model includes nonlinear thresholds operating on vehicle yaw and lateral translation, random input sources to account for spurious driver activity, and smoothing to account for driver response lag. The output of the model is steering wheel position

To determine model parameters and model suitability in describing driver behavior, recordings were made for driver-subjects performing a lane-keeping task in a moving base driving simulator having a computer generated display. A procedure involving both analytic and experimental techniques was then developed for determining the model parameters of each driver

Statistical comparisons and visual inspections made between driver-vehicle and model-vehicle time histories indicate a high degree of correspondence. Models such as these show promise in obtaining a better understanding of driver behavior and driver-vehicle response by incorporating nonlinear elements in the driver model.     

Drive control system design for stability and maneuverability of a 6WD/6WS vehicle

This paper describes a drive controller designed to improve the lateral vehicle stability and maneuverability of a 6-wheel drive / 6-wheel steering (6WD/6WS) vehicle. The drive controller consists of upper and lower level controllers. The upper level controller is based on sliding control theory and determines both front and middle steering angle, additional net yaw moment, and longitudinal net force according to the reference velocity and steering angle of a manual drive, remotely controlled, autonomous controller. The lower level controller takes the desired longitudinal net force, yaw moment, and tire force information as inputs and determines the additional front steering angle and distributed longitudinal tire force on each wheel. This controller is based on optimal distribution control and takes into consideration the friction circle related to the vertical tire force and friction coefficient acting on the road and tire. Distributed longitudinal/lateral tire forces are determined as proportion to the size of the friction circle according to changes in driving conditions. The response of the 6WD/6WS vehicle implemented with this drive controller has been evaluated via computer simulations conducted using the Matlab/Simulink dynamic model. Computer simulations of an open loop under turning conditions and a closed-loop driver model subjected to double lane change have been conducted to demonstrate the improved performance of the proposed drive controller over that of a conventional DYC.     

Steering and Dynamic Stability of Railway Vehicles

For railway vehicles having coned wheels mounted on solid axles there is a conflict between dynamic stability and steering ability

It is shown that the stiffness and kinematic properties of all possible interwheelset connections are characterised by two properties describing the distortional characteristics of the vehicle in plan. Within this framework, the various possibilities for steered wheelsets are considered, and several past and current proposals are reviewed. Using the linear approach to dynamic stabibty and curve negotation the performance of existing and newly proposed configurations is discussed

For any symmetric, two-axle vehicle it is shown that for perfect steering on a curve there should be zero bending stiffness between the wheelsets. It is further shown that if the bending stiffness is zero, the vehicle lacks dynamic stability as the critical speed of instability, is zero. In this case, the vehicle undergoes a steering oscillation which occurs at the kinematic frequency of a single wheelset and which is a motion in which pure rolling occurs

Similar results are obtained with vehicles with three or more axles if adjacent axles are connected by shear structures. However, it is shown that it is possible to satisfy both the requirements of perfect steering and a non-zero critical speed if the vehicle has zero bending stiffness and if, in addition to adjacent wheelsets being connected in shear, at least one pair of non-adjacent axles are connected by a shear structure.     

Fuzzy Logic Traction Controllers and their Effect on Longitudinal Vehicle Platoon Systems

This paper presents two fuzzy logic traction controllers and investigates their effect on longitudinal platoon systems. A fuzzy logic approach is appealing for traction control because of the nonlinearity and time-varying uncertainty involved in traction control systems

The fuzzy logic traction controllers we present regulate brake torque to control wheel slip, which is the normalized difference between wheel and vehicle speed. One fuzzy controller estimates the peak slip corresponding to the maximum tire-road adhesion coefficient and regulates wheel slip at the peak slip. The controller is attractive because of its ability to maximize acceleration and deceleration regardless of road condition. However, we find through simulations the controller's performance degrades in the presence of time-varying uncertainties. The other fuzzy logic controller regulates wheel slip at any desired value. Through simulations we find the controller robust against changing road conditions and uncertainties. The target slip is predetermined and not necessarily the peak slip for all road conditions. If the target slip is set low, stable acceleration and deceleration is guaranteed, regardless of road condition

We also study the effect of traction control on longitudinal vehicle platoon systems using simulations. The simulations include acceleration and deceleration maneuvers on an icy road. The results indicate traction control may substantially improve longitudinal platoon performance, especially when icy road conditions exist.     

线控转向系统转向盘力回馈控制模型的研究

根据轮胎和传统转向系的力学特性提出了利用车轮转角和车速计算得到转向盘回馈力的思路,并以此建立了线控转向系统转向盘回馈力控制模型,仿真和试验表明该模型能够满足路感要求。     

Overturning Stability of Three Wheeled Motorized Vehicles

Three wheeled motorized vehicles are a major mode of public transport in many countries. These vehicles are prone to overturning even during normal turning and obstacle avoidance maneuvers. This paper presents a parametric analysis of a mathematical model of the vehicle and evolves guidelines for improving the overturning stability in terms of vehicle geometry and suspension properties.

Differential equations governing the dynamic behavior of the vehicle are derived on the basis of a six degree of freedom model. The vehicle response to variations in steering, engine power and braking inputs is then numerically simulated. The effects of vehicle geometry and elasto-damping suspension coefficients on the vehicle stability are presented. The results indicate an optimum position of the center of gravity where the vehicle is most stable. While stiffer suspensions favour stability, there exists an optimum value of suspension damping for which the minimum wheel load is a maximum.     

基于MPC的分布式驱动越野车辆原地转向控制研究

针对轮毂电机分布式驱动越野车辆在狭小空间快速机动的需求,设计了一种分层结构的原地转向控制策略。基于动力学原理分析了各轮载荷、附着条件对原地转向横摆速度的影响机理,并搭建原地转向运动学模型,上层采用模型预测控制算法设计原地转向理想轨迹以及期望的横摆角速度,开发基于PI滑模控制的横摆运动跟踪算法,通过补偿转向横摆力矩以提高方向角控制的鲁棒性和稳定性,下层以最优轮胎利用率为目标,设计二次规划算法优化分配各轮附加横摆力矩。dSPACE硬件在环测试结果表明,所提出的控制算法可在保证稳定性的前提下实现原地转向,大幅提高了车辆的转向机动性,在方向盘动态输入仿真中,车辆最大转弯半径为0.157 m,转向中心的最大偏移量为3.610 m;同时,驾驶员能对转向过程进行闭环控制,实现了原地转向过程中横摆速度的实时调节。     

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.     

Optimal preview game theory approach to vehicle stability controller design

Dynamic game theory brings together different features that are keys to many situations in control design: optimisation behaviour, the presence of multiple agents/players, enduring consequences of decisions and robustness with respect to variability in the environment, etc. In the presented methodology, vehicle stability is represented by a cooperative dynamic/difference game such that its two agents (players), namely the driver and the direct yaw controller (DYC), are working together to provide more stability to the vehicle system. While the driver provides the steering wheel control, the DYC control algorithm is obtained by the Nash game theory to ensure optimal performance as well as robustness to disturbances. The common two-degrees-of-freedom vehicle-handling performance model is put into discrete form to develop the game equations of motion. To evaluate the developed control algorithm, CarSim with its built-in nonlinear vehicle model along with the Pacejka tire model is used. The control algorithm is evaluated for a lane change manoeuvre, and the optimal set of steering angle and corrective yaw moment is calculated and fed to the test vehicle. Simulation results show that the optimal preview control algorithm can significantly reduce lateral velocity, yaw rate, and roll angle, which all contribute to enhancing vehicle stability.     

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.     

Integrated Control of Active Rear Wheel Steering and Direct Yaw Moment Control

An integrated control system of active rear wheel steering (4WS) and direct yaw moment control (DYC) is presented in this paper. Because of the tire nonlinearity that is mainly due to the saturation of cornering forces, vehicle handling performance is improved but limited to a certain extent only by steering control. Direct yaw moment control using braking and/or driving forces is effective not only in linear but also nonlinear ranges of tire friction circle. The proposed control system is a model matching controller which makes the vehicle follow the desired dynamic model by the state feedback of both yaw rate and side slip angle. Various computer simulations are carried out and show that vehicle handling performance is much improved by the integrated control system.     

汽车操纵稳定性与前轮摆振的非线性仿真分析

以某轿车为例,建立3自由度整车系统动力学模型,利用常微分方程稳定性理论和数值仿真计算,详细研究整车的稳态转向特性和系统失稳后的前轮摆振特性。阐明汽车的操纵稳定性与前轮摆振特性同属汽车整车稳定性问题,前者是负刚度系统,后者是负阻尼系统。在一定的参数组合下,具有不同转向特性的汽车都或多或少地存在摆振现象,这与实际情况相符,建议适当增加转向系阻尼和刚度以减小甚至消除摆振的发生。     

Automated Emergency Four-Wheel-Steered Vehicle Using Continuous Gain Equations

Advanced Vehicle Control Systems (AVCS), when realized, should substantially increase the convenience and safety of highway travel. Automated lateral control is an important step in the realization of AVCS. Much research has been concerned with lateral control during low-g maneuvers. However, before passengers' lives are in the hands of any automated laterally-controlled vehicle, the vehicle controller must be designed to respond to emergency situations where high-g maneuvers may be necessary.

This paper presents the development of a nonlinear-gain-optimized (NGO) controller for emergency automated lateral control of four wheel steered automobiles. Continuous gain equations (GE) are used to account for changes in the vehicle speed. The NGO controller uses a linear vehicle/tire model to define the state model. The response of a nonlinear vehicle/tire model is used to choose the performance index that optimizes the feedback gains for high-g emergency maneuvers at discrete speeds. Continuous gain equations are then derived as least-square approximations to each set of gains.

The performance of the four-wheel-steer continuous gain equations (4WS-GE) controller is compared to that of a two-wheel-steer continuous gain equations (2WS-GE) controller. Significant improvements in vehicle response are realized by using the 4WS-GE controller. The robustness of the controller's performance is examined with respect to changes in tire parameters and changes in vehicle mass.     

Dynamic Measurements in the Research and Development of Rail Vehicles

This paper reviews the measurements which are necessary to all aspects of vehicle dynamics as applied to rail vehicles. Although an attempt has been made to introduce some reference to measurements made in Europe and America, the detailed discussion has been limited to those techniques employed by British Rail. This has the advantage that the discussion can be first hand and therefore more specific.

For convenience the measurements have been collected together under four broad headings.

1. Measurements of rail system data.

2. Measurements of vehicle parameters.

3. Measurements to validate theory and predictions.

4. Measurements of vehicle performance.     

基于功能安全的分布式驱动电动汽车前轮失效补偿控制

分布式驱动电动汽车可以实现四轮转矩分配和差动转向,提升整车的动力学控制性能和经济性,但是四轮转矩独立可控的特点也对功能安全提出挑战.当前轮单侧电机出现执行器故障失效情况时,不仅会产生附加横摆力矩降低车辆安全性,差动转向功能的存在还会使车辆严重偏航.基于此,在设计分布式驱动-线控转向一体化底盘的基础上,基于功能安全提出一...