Showing papers in "Vehicle System Dynamics in 2013"

Economy-oriented vehicle adaptive cruise control with coordinating multiple objectives function

Abstract: A recent design issue of adaptive cruise control systems is how to reduce fuel consumption when following a preceding vehicle. High fuel economy is achievable through reducing acceleration level, however, it is also significantly restrained by two other functional demands, track capability and driver desired response. In the framework of multi-objective coordination, this paper develops and experimentally validates an economy-oriented headway control algorithm for a passenger car with internal combustion engine. The control algorithm is synthesised in a hierarchical structure. The upper controller, undertaking a major coordinating task, is designed based on the model predictive control theory. Fuel economy, tracking capability, and the driver desired response are formulated as its cost function and constraints in a finite prediction horizon. As further analysis indicated, such a design inevitably results in infeasible control inputs in some extreme cases, e.g. urgent situations involving rapid acceleration/deceleration. A constraint softening method is adopted to enlarge the feasible region in the cost of somewhat sacrificing the optimality of the original cost function. Finally, a prototyping controller is developed based on xPC toolbox and equipped in a passenger car. The followed field tests show that, compared to a linear quadratic controller, such an algorithm improves both fuel economy and tracking capability while also being more responsive to driver car-following behaviours.

Semi-active H∞ control of high-speed railway vehicle suspension with magnetorheological dampers

Abstract: In this paper, semi-active H∞ control with magnetorheological (MR) dampers for railway vehicle suspension systems to improve the lateral ride quality is investigated. The proposed semi-active controller is composed of a H∞ controller as the system controller and an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) inverse MR damper model as the damper controller. First, a 17-degree-of-freedom model for a full-scale railway vehicle is developed and the random track irregularities are modelled. Then a modified Bouc–Wen model is built to characterise the forward dynamic characteristics of the MR damper and an inverse MR damper model is built with the ANFIS technique. Furthermore, a H∞ controller composed of a yaw motion controller and a rolling pendulum motion (lateral motion+roll motion) controller is established. By integrating the H∞ controller with the ANFIS inverse model, a semi-active H∞ controller for the railway vehicle is finally proposed. Simulation results indicate that the proposed semi-active suspen...

Creep force modelling for rail traction vehicles based on the Fastsim algorithm

Abstract: The evaluation of creep forces is a complex task and their calculation is a time-consuming process for multibody simulation (MBS). A methodology of creep forces modelling at large traction creepages has been proposed by Polach [Creep forces in simulations of traction vehicles running on adhesion limit. Wear. 2005;258:992–1000; Influence of locomotive tractive effort on the forces between wheel and rail. Veh Syst Dyn. 2001(Suppl);35:7–22] adapting his previously published algorithm [Polach O. A fast wheel–rail forces calculation computer code. Veh Syst Dyn. 1999(Suppl);33:728–739]. The most common method for creep force modelling used by software packages for MBS of running dynamics is the Fastsim algorithm by Kalker [A fast algorithm for the simplified theory of rolling contact. Veh Syst Dyn. 1982;11:1–13]. However, the Fastsim code has some limitations which do not allow modelling the creep force – creep characteristic in agreement with measurements for locomotives and other high-power traction vehicles,...

A novel direct yaw moment controller for in-wheel motor electric vehicles

Abstract: A novel direct yaw moment controller is developed in this paper. A hierarchical control architecture is adopted in the controller design. In the upper controller, a driver model and a vehicle model are used to obtain the driver's intention and the vehicle states, respectively. The upper controller determines the desired yaw moment by means of sliding mode control. The lower controller distributes differential longitudinal forces according to the desired yaw moment. A nonlinear tyre model, ‘UniTire’, is utilised to develop the novel distribution strategy and the control boundary.

Linear quadratic game and non-cooperative predictive methods for potential application to modelling driver–AFS interactive steering control

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the modelling of strategic interactions between the human driver and the vehicle active front steering (AFS) controller in a path-following task where the two controllers hold different target paths. The work is aimed at extending the use of mathematical models in representing driver steering behaviour in complicated driving situations. Two game theoretic approaches, namely linear quadratic game and non-cooperative model predictive control (non-cooperative MPC), are used for developing the driver–AFS interactive steering control model. For each approach, the open-loop Nash steering control solution is derived; the influences of the path-following weights, preview and control horizons, driver time delay and arm neuromuscular system (NMS) dynamics are investigated, and the CPU time consumed is recorded. It is found that the two approaches give identical time histories as well as control gains, while the non-cooperative MPC method uses much less CPU time. Specifically, it is obse...

Minimum time cornering: the effect of road surface and car transmission layout

Abstract: This paper investigates the minimum time/limit handling car manoeuvring through nonlinear optimal control techniques. The resulting ‘optimal driver’ controls the car at its physical limits. The focus is on cornering: different road surfaces (dry and wet paved road, dirt and gravel off-road) and transmission layouts (rear-wheel-drive, front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive) are considered. Low-drift paved circuit-like manoeuvres and aggressive/high-drift even counter-steering rally like manoeuvres are found depending on terrain/layout combinations. The results shed a light on the optimality of limit handling techniques.

A review on bicycle dynamics and rider control

Abstract: This paper is a review study in dynamics and rider control of bicycles. The first part gives a brief overview of the modelling of the dynamics of bicycles and the experimental validation. The second part focuses on a review of modelling and measuring human rider control, together with the concepts of handling and manoeuvrability and their experimental validation. The paper concludes with the open ends and promising directions for future work in the field of handling and control of bicycles.

Finite element model calibration of a railway vehicle based on experimental modal parameters

Abstract: This article describes the experimental calibration of a three-dimensional numerical model of an Alfa Pendular train vehicle based on modal parameters. The dynamic tests of the carbody and bogie of the vehicle allowed the determination of the frequencies and modal configurations of 13 vibration modes, by applying the data-driven stochastic subspace identification method. In addition, a dynamic characterisation test of the passenger-seat system was also conducted. The calibration of the model was performed using a submodelling/multistep approach involving two phases, the first one focused on the calibration of the model of the bogie under test conditions and the second one focused on the calibration of the complete model of the vehicle. The calibration was performed through an iterative method based on a genetic algorithm and allowed to obtain optimal values of 17 parameters of the numerical model. For the pairing of the vibration modes, real and complex, a recent technique was used based on the calculation of the modal strain energy. The stability of a significant number of parameters considering different initial populations demonstrated the robustness of the algorithm. The comparison of experimental and numerical responses before and after calibration revealed significant improvements in the numerical model and a very good correlation between the responses obtained with the calibrated model and the experimental responses.

Stability analysis of a nonlinear vehicle model in plane motion using the concept of Lyapunov exponents

Abstract: For the first time, this paper investigates the application of the concept of Lyapunov exponents to the stability analysis of the nonlinear vehicle model in plane motion with two degrees of freedom. The nonlinearity of the model comes from the third-order polynomial expression between the lateral forces on the tyres and the tyre slip angles. Comprehensive studies on both system and structural stability analyses of the vehicle model are presented. The system stability analysis includes the stability, lateral stability region, and effects of driving conditions on the lateral stability region of the vehicle model in the state space. In the structural stability analysis, the ranges of driving conditions in which the stability of the vehicle model is guaranteed are given. Moreover, through examples, the largest Lyapunov exponent is suggested as an indicator of the convergence rate in which the disturbed vehicle model returns to its stable fixed point.

Tyre–road friction coefficient estimation based on tyre sensors and lateral tyre deflection: modelling, simulations and experiments

Abstract: The estimation of the tyre–road friction coefficient is fundamental for vehicle control systems. Tyre sensors enable the friction coefficient estimation based on signals extracted directly from tyres. This paper presents a tyre–road friction coefficient estimation algorithm based on tyre lateral deflection obtained from lateral acceleration. The lateral acceleration is measured by wireless three-dimensional accelerometers embedded inside the tyres. The proposed algorithm first determines the contact patch using a radial acceleration profile. Then, the portion of the lateral acceleration profile, only inside the tyre–road contact patch, is used to estimate the friction coefficient through a tyre brush model and a simple tyre model. The proposed strategy accounts for orientation-variation of accelerometer body frame during tyre rotation. The effectiveness and performance of the algorithm are demonstrated through finite element model simulations and experimental tests with small tyre slip angles on different...

Regenerative braking strategies, vehicle safety and stability control systems: critical use-case proposals

Abstract: The sustainable development of vehicle propulsion systems that have mainly focused on reduction of fuel consumption (ie CO2 emission) has led, not only to the development of systems connected with combustion processes but also to legislation and testing procedures In recent years, the low carbon policy has made hybrid vehicles and fully electric vehicles (H/EVs) popular The main virtue of these propulsion systems is their ability to restore some of the expended energy from kinetic movement, eg the braking process Consequently new research and testing methods for H/EVs are currently being developed This especially concerns the critical ‘use-cases’ for functionality tests within dynamic events for both virtual simulations, as well as real-time road tests The use-case for conventional vehicles for numerical simulations and road tests are well established However, the wide variety of tests and their great number (close to a thousand) creates a need for selection, in the first place, and the creation

Railway wheel-flat and rail surface defect modelling and analysis by time–frequency techniques

Abstract: Damage to the surface of railway wheels and rails commonly occurs in most railways. If not detected, it can result in the rapid deterioration and possible failure of rolling stock and infrastructure components causing higher maintenance costs. This paper presents an investigation into the modelling and simulation of wheel-flat and rail surface defects. A simplified mathematical model was developed and a series of experiments were carried out on a roller rig. The time–frequency analysis is a useful tool for identifying the content of a signal in the frequency domain without losing information about its time domain characteristics. Because of this, it is widely used for dynamic system analysis and condition monitoring and has been used in this paper for the detection of wheel flats and rail surface defects. Three commonly used time–frequency analysis techniques: Short-Time Fourier Transform, Wigner–Ville transform and wavelet transform were investigated in this work.

Tribology of the wheel–rail contact – aspects of wear, particle emission and adhesion

Abstract: The wheel−rail contact is a safety critical interface. Wear, particle emission and adhesion are all wheel−rail contact phenomena and are discussed here. All three phenomena are material and system ...

A dynamic wheel–rail impact analysis of railway track under wheel flat by finite element analysis

Abstract: Wheel–rail interaction is one of the most important research topics in railway engineering. It involves track impact response, track vibration and track safety. Track structure failures caused by wheel–rail impact forces can lead to significant economic loss for track owners through damage to rails and to the sleepers beneath. Wheel–rail impact forces occur because of imperfections in the wheels or rails such as wheel flats, irregular wheel profiles, rail corrugations and differences in the heights of rails connected at a welded joint. A wheel flat can cause a large dynamic impact force as well as a forced vibration with a high frequency, which can cause damage to the track structure. In the present work, a three-dimensional finite element (FE) model for the impact analysis induced by the wheel flat is developed by the use of the FE analysis (FEA) software package ANSYS and validated by another validated simulation. The effect of wheel flats on impact forces is thoroughly investigated. It is found that th...

Staying within the nullcline boundary for vehicle envelope control using a sliding surface

Abstract: Envelope control has been implemented successfully in aircraft for over a decade to assist pilots in stabilising their planes. With current advances in sideslip angle and friction coefficient estimation, envelope control can now be applied to the automotive industry as well. Using full state estimation of yaw rate and sideslip angle, stability controllers can assist the driver by keeping the vehicle within a safe region of the planar state space. This paper discusses the physical phenomena that must be taken into account when choosing an envelope and details a specific choice of envelope comprised of the yaw acceleration nullcline and the maximum rear slip angle limits. The vehicle is kept within the envelope using a computationally simple sliding surface control scheme. Experimental data show the success of the controller, which is implemented on a vehicle through the use of steer-by-wire.

A combined use of phase plane and handling diagram method to study the influence of tyre and vehicle characteristics on stability

Abstract: This paper deals with in-curve vehicle lateral behaviour and is aimed to find out which vehicle physical characteristics affect significantly its stability. Two different analytical methods, one numerical (phase plane) and the other graphical (handling diagram) are discussed. The numerical model refers to the complete quadricycle, while the graphical one refers to a bicycle model. Both models take into account lateral load transfers and nonlinear Pacejka tyre–road interactions. The influence of centre of mass longitudinal position, tyre cornering stiffness and front/rear roll stiffness ratio on vehicle stability are analysed. The presented results are in good agreement with theoretical expectations about the above parameters influence, and show how some physical characteristics behave as saddle-node bifurcation parameters.

Study on dynamics of coupled systems in high-speed trains

Abstract: This paper studies the relationship between various coupled systems that can affect train operation, including interactions between track and train, the pantograph–catenary system and train, power supply system and train, and airflow and train, with respect to the structure and characteristic of a high-speed railway. With the increasing speed and aggravated dynamic behaviours of trains, the necessity for a study of the system dynamics of high-speed trains, considering all these interactions, is discussed. The overall simulation, optimisation and control are achieved based on the analysis of the dynamics generated by coupled systems in high-speed trains, and a theoretical framework for the dynamics is presented in the paper.

A comparative study on fault detection methods of rail vehicle suspension systems based on acceleration measurements

Abstract: Reliability of the railway vehicle suspension system is of critical importance to the safety of the vehicle. On-line health condition monitoring for the suspension system of rail vehicles offers a number of benefits such as preventing further deterioration of vehicle performance, enhancing vehicle safety, increasing operational reliability and availability, and reducing maintenance costs. It is desirable to timely detect the fault and monitor the performance degradation of vehicle suspension systems. In this paper, a comparative study on fault detection methods of urban rail vehicle suspension systems is considered. A novel sensor configuration is proposed where the underlying vehicle system is equipped with only acceleration sensors in the four corners of the carbody, the leading and trailing bogie, respectively. A mathematical model is developed for the considered vehicle suspension system. Both model-based and data-driven approaches are studied for the suspension fault detection problem. The robust obs...

Road curvature estimation for vehicle lane departure detection using a robust Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy observer

Abstract: In this paper, a lane departure detection method is studied and evaluated via a professional vehicle dynamics software. Based on a robust fuzzy observer designed with unmeasurable premise variables with unknown inputs, the road curvature is estimated and compared with the vehicle trajectory curvature. The difference between the two curvatures is used by the proposed algorithm as the first driving risk indicator. To reduce false alarms and take into account the driver corrections, a second driving risk indicator is considered, which is based on the steering dynamics, and it gives the time to the lane keeping. The used nonlinear model deduced from the vehicle lateral dynamics and a vision system is represented by an uncertain Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model. Taking into account the unmeasured variables, an unknown input fuzzy observer is then proposed. Synthesis conditions of the proposed fuzzy observer are formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities using Lyapunov method. The proposed approach is evaluated...

Investigating the influence of soil properties on railway traffic vibration using a numerical model

Abstract: This paper presents the influence of dynamic and geometrical soil parameters on the propagation of ground vibrations induced by external loads. The proposed approach is based on a three-dimensional model, focusing on realistic excitation sources like impulse loads and moving railway vehicles. For the latter, a complete vehicle/track model is developed. The simulation is performed in time domain, offering an interesting approach, compared with classic cyclic analyses. The ground is modelled initially as an elastic homogeneous half-space and additionally as a layered half-space. First, the effect of homogeneous soil properties on ground vibration is analysed. Soil stratification is then taken into account, using various configurations. Analysis reveals that as receiver distance increases ground wave reflection in a layered ground plays an important role in the reduction of ground surface motion. This effect is magnified when the phase velocity wavelength becomes large compared with the depth of the surface ...

An adaptive fuzzy-sliding lateral control strategy of automated vehicles based on vision navigation

Abstract: Lateral control is considered to be one of the toughest challenges in the development of automated vehicles due to their features of nonlinearities, parametric uncertainties and external disturbances. In order to overcome these difficulties, an adaptive fuzzy-sliding mode control strategy used for lateral control of vision-based automated vehicles is proposed in this paper. First, a vision algorithm is designed to provide accurate location information of vehicle relative to reference path. Then, an adaptive fuzzy-sliding mode lateral controller is proposed to counteract parametric uncertainties and strong nonlinearities, and the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop lateral control system is proven by the Lyapunov theory. Finally, experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm can achieve favourable tracking performance, and it has strong robustness.

A review on bicycle and motorcycle rider control with a perspective on handling qualities

Abstract: This paper is a review study on handling and control of bicycles and motorcycles, the so-called single-track vehicles. The first part gives a brief overview on the modelling of the dynamics of single-track vehicles and the experimental validation. The second part focusses on a review of modelling and measuring human rider control. The third part deals with the concepts of handling and manoeuvrability and their experimental validation. Parallels are drawn with the literature on aircraft handling and pilot models. The paper concludes with the open ends and promising directions for future work in the field of handling and control of single-track vehicles.

Fault detection and isolation for a nonlinear railway vehicle suspension with a Hybrid Extended Kalman filter

Abstract: Fault detection is considered to be one way to improve system reliability and dependability for railway vehicles. The secondary lateral and anti-yaw dampers are the most critical parts in railway suspension systems. So far, the dampers have been modelled as linear components in the fault detection and isolation observer design. In this work, a Hybrid Extended Kalman filter is used to capture the nonlinear characteristics of the dampers. In order to detect and isolate faults, a nonlinear residual generator is developed, which can distinguish clearly between different types of faults. A lateral half train model serves as an example for the proposed technique. The results show that failures in the nonlinear suspension system can be detected and isolated accurately.

Active control strategy on a catenary–pantograph validated model

Abstract: Dynamic simulation methods have become essential in the design process and control of the catenary–pantograph system, overall since high-speed trains and interoperability criteria are getting very trendy. This paper presents an original hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) strategy aimed at integrating a multicriteria active control within the catenary–pantograph dynamic interaction. The relevance of HIL control systems applied in the frame of the pantograph is undoubtedly increasing due to the recent and more demanding requirements for high-speed railway systems. Since the loss of contact between the catenary and the pantograph leads to arcing and electrical wear, and too high contact forces cause mechanical wear of both the catenary wires and the strips of the pantograph, not only prescribed but also economic and performance criteria ratify such a relevance. Different configurations of the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller are proposed and applied to two different plant systems. Since this paper i...

Model predictive driving simulator motion cueing algorithm with actuator-based constraints

Abstract: The simulator motion cueing problem has been considered extensively in the literature; approaches based on linear filtering and optimal control have been presented and shown to perform reasonably well. More recently, model predictive control (MPC) has been considered as a variant of the optimal control approach; MPC is perhaps an obvious candidate for motion cueing due to its ability to deal with constraints, in this case the platform workspace boundary. This paper presents an MPC-based cueing algorithm that, unlike other algorithms, uses the actuator positions and velocities as the constraints. The result is a cueing algorithm that can make better use of the platform workspace whilst ensuring that its bounds are never exceeded. The algorithm is shown to perform well against the classical cueing algorithm and an algorithm previously proposed by the authors, both in simulation and in tests with human drivers.

Identification of the mechanical properties of bicycle tyres for modelling of bicycle dynamics

Abstract: Advanced simulation of the stability and handling properties of bicycles requires detailed road–tyre contact models. In order to develop these models, in this study, four bicycle tyres are tested by means of a rotating disc machine with the aim of measuring the components of tyre forces and torques that influence the safety and handling of bicycles. The effect of inflation pressure and tyre load is analysed. The measured properties of bicycle tyres are compared with those of motorcycle tyres

Coupler jackknifing and derailments of locomotives on tangent track

Abstract: A number of derailments occurred in recent years due to coupler jackknifing, some of them were reported on tangent tracks where conventionally thought to be the safer sections. This article studied coupler jackknifing behaviour and its implications for locomotive safety on tangent tracks from the experience of China heavy haul. Three types of coupler systems were modelled and simulated regarding coupler jackknifing behaviour. Two typical locomotive derailments occurred on tangent tracks were analysed. From the derailment experience, coupler angle self-lock behaviour was introduced and simulated. An approach to determine coupler angles in the jackknifed position was derived and validated with a self-coded program and SIMPACK. Methods to prevent coupler jackknifing were also evaluated with regard to locomotive stability.

Real-time catenary models for the hardware-in-the-loop simulation of the pantograph–catenary interaction

Abstract: Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation is a promising technique to study the pantograph–catenary interaction problems by realising the interaction of a physical pantograph with a mathematical model of the overhead equipment (catenary). However, the computing power presently available on real-time CPUs only allows to run simplified models of the overhead equipment. Therefore, it is important to define catenary models that are suitable for real-time simulation and at the same time capable of accurately representing the dynamic behaviour of the catenary. In this paper, the use of a catenary model based on modal superposition is considered, and the effect of changing the number of modelled spans and the number of modal components allocated to the contact and messenger wires is investigated in view of finding the best model compatible with real-time simulation. Comparisons between HIL simulation results and line measurements are presented, to quantify the accuracy of the hybrid simulation method developed.

Coupler rotation behaviour and its effect on heavy haul trains

Abstract: When a locomotive coupler rotates at an angle, the lateral component of the coupler force has an adverse effect on the locomotive's safety, particularly in heavy haul trains. In this paper, a model of a head-mid configuration, a 20,000-t heavy haul train is developed to analyse the rotation behaviour of the locomotive's coupler system and its effect on the dynamic behaviour of such a train's middle locomotive when operating on tangent and curved tracks. The train model includes detailed coupler and draft gear with which to consider the hysteretic characteristics of the rubber draft gear model, the friction characteristics of the coupler knuckles, and the alignment-control characteristics of the coupler shoulder. The results indicate that the coupler's rotation behaviour differs between the tangent and curved tracks, significantly affecting the locomotive's running performance under the braking condition. A larger coupler rotation angle generates a larger lateral component, which increases the wheelset's l...

Nonlinearity in the vertical transmissibility of seating: the role of the human body apparent mass and seat dynamic stiffness

Abstract: The efficiency of a seat in reducing vibration depends on the characteristics of the vibration, the dynamic characteristics of the seat, and the dynamic characteristics of the person sitting on the seat. However, it is not known whether seat cushions influence the dynamic response of the human body, whether the human body influences the dynamic response of seat cushions, or the relative importance of human body nonlinearity and seat nonlinearity in causing nonlinearity in measures of seat transmissibility. This study was designed to investigate the nonlinearity of the coupled seat and human body systems and to compare the apparent mass of the human body supported on rigid and foam seats. A frequency domain model was used to identify the dynamic parameters of seat foams and investigate their dependence on the subject-sitting weight and hip breadth. With 15 subjects, the force and acceleration at the seat base and acceleration at the subject interface were measured during random vertical vibration excitatio...