Evaluation of Safety Distance in Vehicle Platoons by Combined Braking and Steering

Platooning is a way to increase the traffic flow and capacity on roads to handle the upcoming problems of traffic congestion and exhaust emissions. The aim with this work is to evaluate if the safety distance of platooning vehicles can be further reduced when both lateral and longitudinal control is implemented. The idea is that when the vehicle in front suddenly brakes the vehicle behind, if needed, is steered aside while braking and stops beside the preceding vehicle. The analysis is performed using a game theoretical approach and different detailed vehicle models. Results show that the safety distance can be reduced.QC 20130611