Optimal Rollover Prevention With Steer by Wire and Differential Braking

This paper uses Model Predictive Control theory to develop a framework for automobile stability control. The framework is then demonstrated with a roll mode controller which seeks to actively limit the peak roll angle of the vehicle while simultaneously tracking the driver’s yaw rate command. Initially, control law presented assumes knowledge of the complete input trajectory and acts as a benchmark for the best performance any controller could have on this system. This assumption is then relaxed by only assuming that the current driver steering command is available. Numerical simulations on a nonlinear vehicle model show that both control structures effectively track the driver intended yaw rate during extreme maneuvers while also limiting the peak roll angle. During ordinary driving, the controlled vehicle behaves identically to an ordinary vehicle. These preliminary results shows that for double lane change maneuvers, it is possible to limit roll angle while still closely tracking the driver’s intent.