Robust estimation of maximum tire-road friction coefficient considering road surface irregularity

An accurate estimation of the maximum tire-road friction coefficient may provide higher performance in a vehicle active safety control system. Unfortunately, real-time tire-road friction coefficient estimation is costly and necessitates additional sensors that must be installed and maintained at all times. This paper proposes an advanced longitudinal tire-road friction coefficient estimation method that is capable of considering irregular road surfaces. The proposed algorithm uses a stiffness based estimation method, however, unlike previous studies, improvements were made by suggesting a third order model to solve problems related to nonlinear mu-slip curve. To attain the tire-road friction coefficient, real-time normalized force is obtained from the force estimator as exerted from the tire in the low slip region using the recursive least squares method. The decisive aspect of using the suggested algorithm lies in its low cost and versatility. It can be used under irregular road conditions due to its capability of easily obtaining wheel speed and acceleration values from production cars. The newly improved algorithm has been verified to computer simulations as well as compact size cars on dry asphalt conditions.     

Comparative study of vehicle tyre–road friction coefficient estimation with a novel cost-effective method

This paper qualitatively and quantitatively reviews and compares three typical tyre–road friction coefficient estimation methods, which are the slip slope method, individual tyre force estimation method and extended Kalman filter method, and then presents a new cost-effective tyre–road friction coefficient estimation method. Based on the qualitative analysis and the numerical comparisons, it is found that all of the three typical methods can successfully estimate the tyre force and friction coefficient in most of the test conditions, but the estimation performance is compromised for some of the methods during different simulation scenarios. In addition, all of these three methods need global positioning system (GPS) to measure the absolute velocity of a vehicle. To overcome the above-mentioned problem, a novel cost-effective estimation method is proposed in this paper. This method requires only the inputs of wheel angular velocity, traction/brake torque and longitudinal acceleration, which are all easy to be measured using available sensors installed in passenger vehicles. By using this method, the vehicle absolute velocity and slip ratio can be estimated by an improved nonlinear observer without using GPS, and the friction force and tyre–road friction coefficient can be obtained from the estimated vehicle velocity and slip ratio. Simulations are used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed estimation method.     

Nonlinear tire-road friction control based on tire model parameter identification

A hierarchical control structure is a more suitable structural scheme for integrated chassis control. Generally, this type of structure has two main functions. The upper layer manages global control and force allocation, while the bottom layer allocates realized forces with 4 independent local tire controllers. The way to properly allocate these target forces poses a difficult task for the bottom layer. There are two key problems that require attention: obtaining the nonlinear time-varying coefficient of friction between the tire and different road surfaces and accurately tracking the desired forces from the upper layer. This paper mainly focuses on longitudinal tire-road friction allocation and control strategies that are based on the antilock braking system (ABS). Although it is difficult to precisely measure longitudinal tire-road friction forces for frequently changing road surface conditions, they can be estimated with a real-time measurement of brake force and angular acceleration at the wheels. The Magic Formula model is proposed as the reference model, and its key parameters are identified online using a constrained hybrid genetic algorithm to describe the evolution of tire-road friction with respect to the wheel slip. The desired wheel slip, with respect to the reference tire-road friction force from the top layer, is estimated with the inverse quadratic interpolation method. The tire-road friction controller of the extended anti-lock braking system (Ext-ABS) is designed through use of the nonlinear sliding mode control method. Simulation results indicate that acceptable modifications to changes in road surface conditions and adequate stability can be expected from the proposed control strategy.     

Sensitivity analysis of side-slip angle observer based on a tire model

We investigated the sensitivity of an observer based on a tire model using simulation in linear and nonlinear regions. In the linear region, we investigated the influence of vehicle speed by doing the same simulation at three speed levels. In the nonlinear region, the simulation condition was set such that the vehicle became unstable. In the linear region, steering input and cornering stiffness have a relatively large effect on the estimation error because these quantities determine tire side force. In the nonlinear region, the road surface’s friction coefficient becomes a crucial factor. In both the regions, the observer is sensitive to yaw rate and longitudinal speed.     

Adaptive Yaw Rate Feedback 4WS with Tire/Road Friction Coefficient Estimator

This paper proposes an adaptive yaw rate feedback control system for a four-wheel-steering (4WS) vehicle which involves a tire/road friction coefficient estimator. The adaptive 4WS system has been developed so that the vehicle possesses desirable lateral characteristics even on slippery roads and in critical driving situations. The friction coefficient is estimated on real time from the yaw rate response of the controlled vehicle with the least squares. The control system adopts a two degree of freedom structure which consists of a feedforward compensator and a feedback control subsystem. The feedforward compensator is determined with the estimated friction coefficient to minimize the steady-state and transient vehicle slip angle in spite of changes in tire/road conditions. The feedback subsystem adopts the Internal Model Control (IMC) structure in order to compensate for nonlinearities and to realize robustness against modelling and estimation errors.     

Sensitivity analysis of side-slip angle observer based on a tire model

We investigated the sensitivity of an observer based on a tire model using simulation in linear and nonlinear regions. In the linear region, we investigated the influence of vehicle speed by doing the same simulation at three speed levels. In the nonlinear region, the simulation condition was set such that the vehicle became unstable. In the linear region, steering input and cornering stiffness have a relatively large effect on the estimation error because these quantities determine tire side force. In the nonlinear region, the road surface's friction coefficient becomes a crucial factor. In both the regions, the observer is sensitive to yaw rate and longitudinal speed.     

Model-Based Road Friction Estimation

The tire/road friction coefficient, μ, has a significant role in vehicle longitudinal and lateral control, and there has been associated efforts to measure or estimate the road surface condition to provide additional information for stability augmentation systems of automobiles. In this paper, a model based road friction estimation algorithm is proposed from easily measured signals such as yaw rate and wheel speed. For the development of the estimator, a low order vehicle model incorporated with simple but effective tire model. Field tests of the estimator using actual vehicle measurements show promising results.     

Estimation of the tyre–road maximum friction coefficient and slip slope based on a novel tyre model

In this article, a new approach to estimate the vehicle tyre forces, tyre–road maximum friction coefficient, and slip slope is presented. Contrary to the majority of the previous work on this subject, a new tyre model for the estimation of the tyre–road interface characterisation is proposed. First, the tyre model is built and compared with those of Pacejka, Dugoff, and one other tyre model. Then, based on a vehicle model that uses four degrees of freedom, an extended Kalman filter (EKF) method is designed to estimate the vehicle motion and tyre forces. The shortcomings of force estimation are discussed in this article. Based on the proposed tyre model and the improved force measurements, another EKF is implemented to estimate the tyre model parameters, including the maximum friction coefficient, slip slope, etc. The tyre forces are accurately obtained simultaneously. Finally, very promising results have been achieved for pure acceleration/braking for varying road conditions, both in pure steering and combined manoeuvre simulations.     

Dynamic Friction Models for Road/Tire Longitudinal Interaction

Summary In this paper we derive a new dynamic friction force model for the longitudinal road/tire interaction for wheeled ground vehicles. The model is based on a dynamic friction model developed previously for contact-point friction problems, called the LuGre model. By assuming a contact patch between the tire and the ground we develop a partial differential equation for the distribution of the friction force along the patch. An ordinary differential equation (the lumped model) for the friction force is developed, based on the patch boundary conditions and the normal force distribution along the contact patch. This lumped model is derived to approximate closely the distributed friction model. Contrary to common static friction/slip maps, it is shown that this new dynamic friction model is able to capture accurately the transient behaviour of the friction force observed during transitions between braking and acceleration. A velocity-dependent, steady-state expression of the friction force versus the slip coefficient is also developed that allows easy tuning of the model parameters by comparison with steady-state experimental data. Experimental results validate the accuracy of the new tire friction model in predicting the friction force during transient vehicle motion. It is expected that this new model will be very helpful for tire friction modeling as well as for anti-lock braking (ABS) and traction control design.     

Dynamic Friction Models for Road/Tire Longitudinal Interaction

Summary In this paper we derive a new dynamic friction force model for the longitudinal road/tire interaction for wheeled ground vehicles. The model is based on a dynamic friction model developed previously for contact-point friction problems, called the LuGre model. By assuming a contact patch between the tire and the ground we develop a partial differential equation for the distribution of the friction force along the patch. An ordinary differential equation (the lumped model) for the friction force is developed, based on the patch boundary conditions and the normal force distribution along the contact patch. This lumped model is derived to approximate closely the distributed friction model. Contrary to common static friction/slip maps, it is shown that this new dynamic friction model is able to capture accurately the transient behaviour of the friction force observed during transitions between braking and acceleration. A velocity-dependent, steady-state expression of the friction force versus the slip coefficient is also developed that allows easy tuning of the model parameters by comparison with steady-state experimental data. Experimental results validate the accuracy of the new tire friction model in predicting the friction force during transient vehicle motion. It is expected that this new model will be very helpful for tire friction modeling as well as for anti-lock braking (ABS) and traction control design.     

基于四轮轮边驱动电动车的路面附着系数估算方法

路面附着系数是影响车辆行驶安全性的重要因素,利用轮边驱动电动汽车驱动力矩可以对路面利用附着系数进行观测。当观测到μ-λ曲线接近于峰值点时,将该时刻的轮胎利用附着系数作为路面峰值附着系数,并根据识别的路面峰值附着系数进行驱动防滑控制。该方法能够有效防止轮胎滑转,提高车辆行驶稳定性。     

轮胎／路面附着系数估算方法

为提高汽车主动安全系统自适应控制性能,需要对轮胎／路面附着系数进行精确的识别或估算。鉴于附着系数估计的复杂性,文章综述了目前路面附着系数估算中的汽车动力学建模和轮胎／路面摩擦模型建模,重点讨论了轮胎／路面附着系数识别算法中传感器的直接检测估计法,以及基于车辆动力学、回正力矩和状态观测器等动力学模型的估计算法,并对各估算方法存在的问题与发展趋势等进行了分析。对开发汽车主动安全电控系统和提高汽车产业核心竞争力具有重要意义。     

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.     

Design of tyre force excitation for tyre–road friction estimation

Knowledge of the current tyre–road friction coefficient is essential for future autonomous vehicles. The environmental conditions, and the tyre–road friction in particular, determine both the braking distance and the maximum cornering velocity and thus set the boundaries for the vehicle. Tyre–road friction is difficult to estimate during normal driving due to low levels of tyre force excitation. This problem can be solved by using active tyre force excitation. A torque is added to one or several wheels in the purpose of estimating the tyre–road friction coefficient. Active tyre force excitation provides the opportunity to design the tyre force excitation freely. This study investigates how the tyre force should be applied to minimise the error of the tyre–road friction estimate. The performance of different excitation strategies was found to be dependent on both tyre model choice and noise level. Furthermore, the advantage with using tyre models with more parameters decreased when noise was added to the force and slip ratio.     

基于车路系统的事故现场轮胎印迹强度参数化研究

为明确事故现场可视轮胎印迹强度与车辆动力学特性、轮胎橡胶磨损特征及道路表面灰度之间的关联特性,提出基于车路耦合的事故现场轮胎印迹强度参数化研究方法。通过结合动态滑动摩擦因数模型及轮胎非线性模型,建立车辆路面9 DOF非线性系统动力学模型,运用VBOX惯性测量技术验证模型的有效性。运用胎面磨损能量模型,从车路系统角度确定车辆、轮胎和路面特性对轮胎全局摩擦力及胎面磨损特性的影响。结合印迹强度特征模型提出轮胎印迹强度参数研究方法,选取不同制动、转向角工况及3组路面、胎面特性对轮胎路面接地力学特性、胎面橡胶磨损量、可视轮胎印迹特征进行仿真分析。结果表明：印迹强度仅与全局摩擦力大小有关,与轮胎路面滑移方向无关;滑移工况下胎面橡胶磨损量随着全局摩擦力和滑移速度的增大而增大,而印迹强度变化不明显;制动力矩和道路表面灰度对产生可视轮胎印迹起决定作用,转向角主要影响不规则可视轮胎印迹的产生;前轮轮胎最先出现可视印迹,且可视印迹长度和强度均高于后轮轮胎;采取可视印迹起点作为事故车辆速度判定具有一定的误差,应根据具体情况进行具体分析;研究成果能够为基于可视轮胎印迹的交通事故重建提供理论基础。     

An ABS control logic based on wheel force measurement

The paper presents an anti-lock braking system (ABS) control logic based on the measurement of the longitudinal forces at the hub bearings. The availability of force information allows to design a logic that does not rely on the estimation of the tyre–road friction coefficient, since it continuously tries to exploit the maximum longitudinal tyre force.

The logic is designed by means of computer simulation and then tested on a specific hardware in the loop test bench: the experimental results confirm that measured wheel force can lead to a significant improvement of the ABS performances in terms of stopping distance also in the presence of road with variable friction coefficient.     

Investigation on evaluation of yaw stability for medium commercial vehicles

This paper proposes test scenarios for evaluation of yaw stability for medium commercial vehicles. Maneuvering, speed, longitudinal tire force, tire-road friction coefficient, road slope, and load condition are considerable factors that have effect on the medium commercial vehicle yaw stability. After conducting an analysis on these six factors, effective test scenarios were developed. A sine with dwell test is well known as a test scenario for evaluation of performance of electronic stability control (ESC) on passenger vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles. The SWD test was modified considering medium commercial vehicle dynamics, and the ramp steer maneuver with maximum acceleration test was proposed. Simulation validation has been conducted using field test data. From simulation study, it was shown that the ESC system for medium commercial vehicle is effectively evaluated by the proposed test scenarios.     

Tire–road friction coefficient estimation based on the resonance frequency of in-wheel motor drive system

In this paper, a resonance frequency-based tire–road friction coefficient (TRFC) estimation method is proposed by considering the dynamics performance of the in-wheel motor drive system under small slip ratio conditions. A frequency response function (FRF) is deduced for the drive system that is composed of a dynamic tire model and a simplified motor model. A linear relationship between the squared system resonance frequency and the TFRC is described with the FRF. Furthermore, the resonance frequency is identified by the Auto-Regressive eXogenous model using the information of the motor torque and the wheel speed, and the TRFC is estimated thereafter by a recursive least squares filter with the identified resonance frequency. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through simulations and experimental tests on different road surfaces.     

A real-time approach to robust identification of tyre–road friction characteristics on mixed-μ roads

ABSTRACT

The interaction between the tyre and the road is crucial for understanding the dynamic behaviour of a vehicle. The road–tyre friction characteristics play a key role in the design of braking, traction and stability control systems. Thus, in order to have a good performance of vehicle dynamic stability control, real-time estimation of the tyre–road friction coefficient is required. This paper presents a new development of an on-line tyre–road friction parameters estimation methodology and its implementation using both LuGre and Burckhardt tyre–road friction models. The proposed method provides the capability to observe the tyre–road friction coefficient directly using measurable signals in real-time. In the first step of our approach, the recursive least squares is employed to identify the linear parameterisation form of the Burckhardt model. The identified parameters provide, through a T–S fuzzy system, the initial values for the LuGre model. Then, a new LuGre model-based nonlinear least squares parameter estimation algorithm using the proposed static form of the LuGre to obtain the parameters of LuGre model based on recursive nonlinear optimisation of the curve fitting errors is presented. The effectiveness and performance of the algorithm are demonstrated through the real-time model simulations with different longitudinal speeds and different kinds of tyres on various road surface conditions in both Matlab/Carsim environments as well as collected data from real experiments on a commercial trailer.