Active Control Strategy for Improved Handling and Stability

Active control systems pertaining to handling and stability have been systematically analyzed and tested. While the tires maintain adhesion the most effective system is steer angle control. A new 4WS strategy utilizing steering wheel angle feedforward and yaw velocity feedback functions is found to minimize the effect of external disturbances as well as to optimize steering response. When the limits of tire adhesion are approached other control systems must be adopted. Experimental methods of controlling the distribution of the driving/braking force and roll stiffness, based upon yaw velocity model following strategy, indicate a high potential for improving cornering performance.