An Optimal Hierarchical Control Strategy for 4WS-4WD Vehicles Using Nonlinear Model Predictive Control

Advanced driving algorithms, control strategies, and their optimization in self-driving vehicles in various scenarios are hotspots in current research; 4WS-4WD (four-wheel steering and four-wheel drive) is another hotspot in the study of new concept models; and the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of self-driving vehicles (AVs) are prominent in the fast cornering mode, which leads to a significant reduction in the accuracy and stability of trajectory tracking. Based on these research backgrounds, this paper proposes a control strategy optimization idea based on the 4WS4WD vehicle and its optimization model. The main content includes the establishment of a 3D vehicle model that takes into account vehicle load transfer and position change, and the establishment of a hierarchical control strategy based on the optimized NMPC and 4WS4WD models. The controller consists of two parts: an upper tracking controller based on the new vehicle model and NMPC, and a lower decoupled controller. The tracking control effect of the algorithmic control strategy based on the model and controller is validated in the high-speed serpentine motion mode and double-shift linear motion mode on the joint simulation platform of Car Sim and Simulink.