Development of a Simulation Model for Virtual Motion Control for Rollover Prevention - Research Paper Example

 BEng/MEng Individual Project PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM STUDENT: STUDENT ID: SUPERVISOR: PROJECT TITLE: development of a simulation model for virtual motion control for rollover prevention I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The project is in two parts. The first part is to develop equations of motion for a 14 DOF full vehicle in Matlab/Simulink: 6 DOF rigid motions of the vehicle structure, 2 DOF for each wheel – vertical and wheel spin, plus kinematic degrees of freedom for changes in steering/camber /caster angles [1]. A commercial simulation tool such as CarSim will be used to supply parameters including the tyre model [2]. The vehicle type of interest is an SUV, as such cars are prone to rollover. The second part of the project is to analyze vehicle motions and control interventions, e.g. rear-wheel steering or individual wheel braking, the purpose being to see which actuators are most effective in rollover intervention. The method is to simulate a number of rollover events and at a number of pre-rollover configurations apply, by the so-called “brute force” method, the full range of available interventions, mapping the effects on motion variables such as lateral acceleration and roll moment (these are so-called virtual controls). The work is an initial phase in a longer-term research theme: optimal vehicle control in safety-critical situations where autonomous safety systems help the driver (or take control from the driver) to prevent a crash. Little work has been done in cases where rollover is a limiting factor when control interventions are used to provide deceleration, change of path direction and preserve the lateral stability of the vehicle. The work will be of interest to car companies because this information is needed in design of SUVs, which are a profitable market segment owing to its very fast growth and adoption by the consumers. Hence presentation of these results to JLR, Ford or Volvo is likely will likely promote further work. If successful, the work can also be published or presented in workshops or conferences. II. OBJECTIVES The broad aim of the project is to develop a simulation model for virtual motion control for rollover prevention. The project objectives are: To develop equations of motion for a 14 DOF full vehicle in Matlab/Simulink. To develop a real time simulation set up using a commercial simulation software and Matlab/Simulink that will enable experimentation and parameter modification as well as data logging during the study. To test and evaluate vehicle motions and control interventions, e.g. rear-wheel steering or individual wheel braking, so as to see which actuators are most effective in rollover intervention. To analyse the results of the simulations on rollover events and pre-rollover configurations applied for a detailed understanding of the real time situations. To determine the best optimal vehicle control procedure in rollover situations III. DELIVERABLES Project Proposal form and an EA1 ethics form Oral examination, Project logbook and literature survey Self-Evaluation form A formal project report Project Poster Presentation Deliverable Expected Deadline Project Proposal form and an EA1 Ethics form By end of Week 1 Oral examination, Project logbook and literature survey By end of week 3 Self-Evaluation form By end of week 3 A formal project report with dissertation By end of week 15 Project Poster Presentation By end of week 16 IV. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS The main requirement for this research is a computer with the preferred software and processing capabilities. The commercial simulation package e.g. CarSim, ADAMS, DADS, IPG Carmaker or Virtual Vehicle Systems Simulation will give the realistic human interface for interaction during parameter initialization and have an enabling set up for rendering road conditions and driver inputs as well as vehicle parameters for modelling the various scenarios. The computer should also have Matlab/Simulink software. The simulation package chosen should also allow interfacing with Matlab/Simulink to facilitate data logging while testing the models to ensure analysis and evaluation of the results. This implies that there will be need for a computer laboratory to carry out this research. The form in which the simulation software is available, for example in a networked system or standalone PC will be essential in determining this configuration set up. Apart from the named equipment in school, no other resources are required outside school. There are no cost implications since the computer laboratory contains all the resources needed for this research. V. PROJECT PLAN There will be regular meetings with the supervisor to enable consultations and approval of project progress so that any changes may be modified by joint agreement throughout the project period. The first phase is development of equations of motion for a 14 DOF full vehicle in Matlab/Simulink. An Oral examination, Project logbook and literature survey will be done by the end of week 3. A self-evaluation form will also be submitted by then. After proposal delivery and approval, the next task will be development of a real time simulation set up using a commercial simulation software and Matlab/Simulink that will enable experimentation and parameter modification as well as data logging during the study. This will be done according to the project methodology and everything should be initialized by week 4. From week 8, testing of vehicle motion parameters and control interventions, e.g. rear-wheel steering or individual wheel braking, so as to see which actuators are most effective in rollover intervention will begin. While following the methodology and supervisor’s advice, this will be done while monitoring results and collecting data. From week 8 to 21, there will be analysis of the results of the simulations on rollover events and pre-rollover configurations applied for a detailed understanding of the real time situations. From week 21, preparation of the formal report will begin in tandem with the data analysis and further documentation. This will go on with iterative corrections and consultations till week 29 when the project poster will be made ready for the final presentation. The report will be submitted by week 31 and there will be a feedback meeting in week 37. The proposed schedule of the project is illustrated in the overall project timeline shown. REFERENCES [1] Sayers, Michael W., and Dongsuk Han. "A generic multibody vehicle model for simulating handling and braking." Vehicle system dynamics 25.S1 (1996): 599-613. [2] Sayers, Michael W .,YouTube. n.d. [Online] Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwLNVCOmiL4 [October 16, 2014] I certify that I have understood the requirements of this project, and I agree to complete the above objectives within the timescales that I have specified. I have also completed and submitted form EA1. Signed (Student):……………………………………………….. Date:………………………… Ethical Approval Form EA1 Completed Yes/No Signed (Supervisor):…………………………………………… Date:……………………………… Read More