U13: Co-Simulation of Heavy Truck Tire Dynamics and Electronic Stability Control Systems (Phase A)

011420726588536832009Final report; Mar. 2009-July 2009PDFTech ReportDTRT06G-0043SimulationHeavy duty trucksTire forcesTire mechanicsVehicle dynamicsResearch HubTrucksTiresDynamicsSimulation methodsRollover vehicle accidents--PreventionUnited StatesNational Transportation Research Center, Incorporated, University Transportation CenterLimroth, JohnKurfess, ThomasLaw, E. HarryNational Transportation Research Center, Incorporated, University Transportation CenterClemson University. International Center for Automotive ResearchUnited States. Dept. of Transportation. Research and Innovative Technology AdministrationNTL-INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS-Crash Prevention and SafetyNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-Highway SafetyUS Transportation CollectionElectronic stability control (ESC) systems have been proven to be an effective means of preventing instability and loss of control on both passenger vehicles and heavy trucks. In addition, roll stability algorithms are an effective means of reducing the risk of rollover on heavy trucks with their relatively high centers of gravity. Stability control systems are so effective that the U.S. government has mandated their inclusion on all new passenger vehicles by September 2011, and similar legislation is anticipated soon for heavy trucks. The goal of this research project is to produce a software co-simulation of an articulated tractor-trailer model together with an ESC algorithm. Such a simulation platform will enable the investigation of truck performance both with and without stability control and the sensitivity of vehicle performance to changes in vehicle parameters. The simulations will be used to conduct experiments to determine particular vehicle configurations and parameters that result in improved vehicle stability and dynamic performance. In addition the simulation platform will provide a means to investigate advanced stability control algorithms, such as algorithms that automatically adapt to changes in vehicle parameters such as trailer load configurations. The co-simulation may be a Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) simulation system utilizing a commercial ESC Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or pure software co-simulation with an algorithm representative of a commercial ESC system