Performance analysis of the vehicle electronic stability control in emergency maneuvers at low-adhesion surfaces

Abstract

Essential principles of the vehicle electronic stability control (ESC) operation are analyzed. Mathematical model employed for the performance investigation of vehicles equipped with ESC is described. Modeling results are presented, simulating the actual road test, in which ESC-equipped vehicle performed an emergency maneuver at the surface covered with packed snow. Modeling allowed identifying ESC interventions occurred in the road test. Also, modeling results are presented, simulating the same road test with disabled ESC and with replacement of the original ESC by an experimental yaw stability controller. Conclusions are drawn about performance of both original ESC and the experimental controller. Analysis of the simulation results allowed disclosing changes of the vehicle steering behavior during the maneuver, as well as stability loss factors emerging at particular points of the maneuver. Variation of controller’s parameters allowed defining conditions in which ESC should intervene to prevent the vehicle from a skid.