Integration of vehicle yaw stabilisation and rollover prevention through nonlinear hierarchical control allocation

This work presents an approach to rollover prevention that takes advantage of the modular structure and optimisation properties of the control allocation paradigm. It eliminates the need for a stabilising roll controller by introducing rollover prevention as a constraint on the control allocation problem. The major advantage of this approach is the control authority margin that remains with a high-level controller even during interventions for rollover prevention. In this work, the high-level control is assigned to a yaw stabilising controller. It could be replaced by any other controller. The constraint for rollover prevention could be replaced by or extended to different control objectives. This work uses differential braking for actuation. The use of additional or different actuators is possible. The developed control algorithm is computationally efficient and suitable for low-cost automotive electronic control units. The predictive design of the rollover prevention constraint does not require any sensor equipment in addition to the yaw controller. The method is validated using an industrial multi-body vehicle simulation environment.     

Stability and optimised H∞ control of tripped and untripped vehicle rollover

Vehicle rollover is a serious traffic accident. In order to accurately evaluate the possibility of untripped and some special tripped vehicle rollovers, and to prevent vehicle rollover under unpredictable variations of parameters and harsh driving conditions, a new rollover index and an anti-roll control strategy are proposed in this paper. Taking deflections of steering and suspension induced by the roll at the axles into consideration, a six degrees of freedom dynamic model is established, including lateral, yaw, roll, and vertical motions of sprung and unsprung masses. From the vehicle dynamics theory, a new rollover index is developed to predict vehicle rollover risk under both untripped and special tripped situations. This new rollover index is validated by Carsim simulations. In addition, an H-infinity controller with electro hydraulic brake system is optimised by genetic algorithm to improve the anti-rollover performance of the vehicle. The stability and robustness of the active rollover prevention control system are analysed by some numerical simulations. The results show that the control system can improve the critical speed of vehicle rollover obviously, and has a good robustness for variations in the number of passengers and longitude position of the centre of gravity.     

Path-following in model predictive rollover prevention using front steering and braking

In this paper vehicle path-following in the presence of rollover risk is investigated. Vehicles with high centre of mass are prone to roll instability. Untripped rollover risk is increased in high centre of gravity vehicles and high-friction road condition. Researches introduce strategies to handle the short-duration rollover condition. In these researches, however, trajectory tracking is affected and not thoroughly investigated. This paper puts stress on tracking error from rollover prevention. A lower level model predictive front steering controller is adopted to deal with rollover and tracking error as a priority sequence. A brake control is included in lower level controller which directly obeys an upper level controller (ULC) command. The ULC manages vehicle speed regarding primarily tracking error. Simulation results show that the proposed control framework maintains roll stability while tracking error is confined to predefined error limit.     

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.     

Design of active suspension and electronic stability program for rollover prevention

This paper presents a method for the design of a controller for rollover prevention using active suspension and an electronic stability program (ESP). Active suspension is designed with linear quadratic static output feedback control methodology to attenuate the effect of lateral acceleration on the roll angle and suspension stroke via control of the suspension stroke and tire deflection of the vehicle. However, this approach has a drawback in the loss of maneuverability because the active suspension for rollover prevention produces in vehicles an extreme over-steer characteristic. To overcome this drawback of the active suspension based method, ESP is designed. Through simulations, the proposed method is shown to be effective in preventing rollover.     

基于MPC的独立驱动电动汽车稳定性集成控制

针对独立驱动电动汽车在高附着系数路面高速急转时易发生侧翻事故,在低附着系数路面急转易发生侧滑失稳事故,且单一控制器在不同附着系数路面适应性较差等问题,根据独立驱动电动汽车特点设计了基于分层式结构的稳定性集成控制器。建立了整车动力学模型,并进行了车辆状态参数估计;设计了稳定性集成控制器的控制策略,对车辆的侧倾、横向稳定性状态判定条件和协调策略的制定进行了研究,分别设计了侧倾稳定性控制器和横向稳定性控制器;设置了路面附着系数0.9到0.2的对接路面仿真工况,并在此工况下对所设计的控制器的控制性能进行了仿真测试。结果表明,所设计的稳定性集成控制器相比于单一控制器具有更好的适应性,可有效降低车辆高速行驶过程中的横向载荷转移系数、质心侧偏角等状态量,提高车辆行驶的稳定性和安全性。     

Heavy duty vehicle rollover detection and active roll control

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study on heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) roll stability improvement technology. The proposed rollover threat warning system uses the real-time dynamic model-based time-to-rollover (TTR) metric as a basis for online rollover detections. Its feasibility for implementation in a HDV rollover threat detection system is demonstrated through vehicle dynamic simulation studies. The research on the development of a rollover threat detection system is further enhanced in combination with an active roll control system using active suspension mechanism to improve heavy-duty trucks’ roll stability both in the static cornering and in emergency maneuvers. It has been demonstrated that the roll stability of typical heavy-duty trucks has been largely improved by the proposed active safety monitoring and control system.     

Vehicle dynamic estimation with road bank angle consideration for rollover detection: theoretical and experimental studies

This article describes a method of vehicle dynamics estimation for impending rollover detection. This method is evaluated via a professional vehicle dynamics software and then through experimental results using a real test vehicle equipped with an inertial measurement unit. The vehicle dynamic states are estimated in the presence of the road bank angle (as a disturbance in the vehicle model) using a robust observer. The estimated roll angle and roll rate are used to compute the rollover index which is based on the prediction of the lateral load transfer. In order to anticipate the rollover detection, a new method is proposed in order to compute the time-to-rollover using the load transfer ratio. The used nonlinear model is deduced from the vehicle lateral dynamics and is represented by a Takagi–Sugeno (TS) fuzzy model. This representation is used in order to take into account the nonlinearities of lateral cornering forces. The proposed TS observer is designed with unmeasurable premise variables in order to consider the non-availability of the slip angles measurement. Simulation results show that the proposed observer and rollover detection method exhibit good efficiency.     

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.     

State estimation in roll dynamics for commercial vehicles

Accurate lateral load transfer estimation plays an important role in improving the performance of the active rollover prevention system equipped in commercial vehicles. This estimation depends on the accurate prediction of roll angles for both the sprung and the unsprung subsystems. This paper proposes a novel computational method for roll-angle estimation in commercial vehicles employing sensors which are already used in a vehicle dynamic control system without additional expensive measurement units. The estimation strategy integrates two blocks. The first block contains a sliding-mode observer which is responsible for calculating the lateral tyre forces, while in the second block, the Kalman filter estimates the roll angles of the sprung mass and those of axles in the truck. The validation is conducted through MATLAB/TruckSim co-simulation. Based on the comparison between the estimated results and the simulation results from TruckSim, it can be concluded that the proposed estimation method has a promising tracking performance with low computational cost and high convergence speed. This approach enables a low-cost solution for the rollover prevention in commercial vehicles.     

Practical vehicle rollover avoidance control using energy method

In this paper, a novel rollover prevention control algorithm is developed for application on vehicles with a high centre of gravity. The developed algorithm can be implemented on any vehicle equipped with an electronic stability program with or without an extra roll rate sensor. The vehicle rollover index is defined from the vehicle lateral kinetic energy and the new concept of virtual gravity. The algorithm is implemented on a production hydraulic control unit and tested using a typical medium size sport utility vehicle up to a speed of 110 km h^-1. The test results show that the control algorithm prevents the vehicle rollover very successfully without any noticeable false activation or over correction resulting in severe under steer. Also, the controlled wheel speed shows a very stable and smooth trace.     

Investigation into untripped rollover of light vehicles in the modified fishhook and the sine maneuvers. Part I: Vehicle modelling, roll and yaw instability

Vehicle rollovers may occur under steering-only maneuvers because of roll or yaw instability. In this paper, the modified fishhook and the sine maneuvers are used to investigate a vehicle's rollover resistance capability through simulation. A 9-degrees of freedom (DOF) vehicle model is first developed for the investigation. The vehicle model includes the roll, yaw, pitch, and bounce modes and passive independent suspensions. It is verified with the existing 3-DOF roll-yaw model. A rollover critical factor (RCF) quantifying a vehicle's rollover resistance capability is then constructed based on the static stability factor (SSF) and taking into account the influence of other key dynamic factors.

Simulation results show that the vehicle with certain parameters will rollover during the fishhook maneuver because of roll instability; however, the vehicle with increased suspension stiffness, which does not rollover during the fishhook maneuver, may exceed its rollover resistance limit because of yaw instability during the sine maneuver. Typically, rollover in the sine maneuver happens after several cycles.

It has been found that the proposed RCF well quantifies the rollover resistance capability of a vehicle for the two specified maneuvers. In general, the larger the RCF, the more kinetically stable is a vehicle. A vehicle becomes unstable when its RCF is less than zero. Detailed discussion on the effects of key vehicle system parameters and drive conditions on the RCF in the fishhook and the sine maneuver is presented in Part II of this study.     

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.     

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.     

Rollover mitigation for a heavy commercial vehicle

A heavy commercial vehicle has a high probability of rollover because it is usually loaded heavily and thus has a high center of gravity. An anti-roll bar is efficient for rollover mitigation, but it can cause poor ride comfort when the roll stiffness is excessively high. Therefore, active roll control (ARC) systems have been developed to optimally control the roll state of a vehicle while maintaining ride comfort. Previously developed ARC systems have some disadvantages, such as cost, complexity, power consumption, and weight. In this study, an ARC-based rear air suspension for a heavy commercial vehicle, which does not require additional power for control, was designed and manufactured. The rollover index-based vehicle rollover mitigation control scheme was used for the ARC system. Multi-body dynamic models of the suspension subsystem and the full vehicle were used to design the rear air suspension and the ARC system. The reference rollover index was tuned through lab tests. Field tests, such as steady state cornering tests and step steer tests, demonstrated that the roll response characteristics in the steady state and transient state were improved.     

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.     

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。     

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 Plane Analysis of Articulated Tank Vehicles During Steady Turning

SUMMARY

The rollover immunity levels of articulated tank vehicles with partial loads are investigated. A static roll plane model of the articulated vehicle employing partially filled cylindrical tank is developed. The vertical and lateral translation of the liquid cargo due to vehicle roll angle and lateral acceleration, encountered during steady turning, are evaluated. The roll moments arising from vertical and lateral translation of the liquid cargo are determined and incorporated in the roll plane model of the vehicle. The adverse influence of the unique interactions of the liquid within the tank vehicle, on the rollover limit of the articulated vehicle is demonstrated. The influence of compartmenting of the tank on the steady turning roll response of the vehicle is analyzed, and an optimal order of unloading the compartmented tank is discussed.     

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.