Vehicle stability and steerability improvement by integrated dynamics control systems

This paper describes and compares two integrated dynamic controller systems (IDCs), developed to stabilize lateral dynamics and maintain steerability. The IDCs in question make use of a brake system, and front steering system. IDCB independently controls the brake systems of all four wheels, while IDCF controls the rear wheel brake systems and the front wheel steering system. A fuzzy logic control method and a sliding mode control method were employed to design the two systems. In addition, an AFS fuzzy logic controller is also developed to compare the response. The performance of the IDCs and AFS was tested under a variety of road and driving conditions. The results show that IDCB and IDCF tracked the reference yaw rate and reduced the body side slip angle under all tested conditions. These results indicate that IDCB and IDCF enhanced lateral stability and preserved steerability regardless of the brake input from a driver. © 2015, Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society. All right reserved.