Vehicle yaw stability control using active limited-slip differential via model predictive control methods

In this paper, the problem of vehicle yaw control using an active limited-slip differential (ALSD) applied on the rear axle is addressed. The controller objective is to minimise yaw-rate and body slip-angle errors, with respect to target values. A novel model predictive controller is designed, using a linear parameter-varying (LPV) vehicle model, which takes into account the ALSD dynamics and its constraints. The controller is simulated using a 10DOF Matlab/Simulink simulation model and a CarSim model. These simulations exemplify the controller yaw-rate and slip-angle tracking performances, under challenging manoeuvres and road conditions. The model predictive controller performances surpass those of a reference sliding mode controller, and can narrow the loss of performances due to the ALSD's inability to transfer torque regardless of driving conditions.