Robust H∞ dynamic output-feedback control for four-wheel independently actuated electric ground vehicles through integrated AFS/DYC

Abstract

This paper simultaneously addresses the parameter/state uncertainties, external disturbances, input saturations, and actuator faults in the handling and stability control for four-wheel independently actuated (FWIA) electric ground vehicles (EGVs). Considering the high cost of the available sensors for vehicle lateral velocity measurement, a robust H∞ dynamic output-feedback controller is designed to control the vehicle motion without using the lateral velocity information. The investigated parameter/state uncertainties include the tire cornering stiffness, vehicle mass, and vehicle longitudinal velocity. The unmodeled terms in the vehicle lateral dynamics model are dealt as the external disturbances. Faults of the active steering system and in-wheel motors can cause dangerous consequences for driving, and are considered in the control design. Input saturation issues for the tire forces can deteriorate the control effects, and are handled by the proposed strategy. Integrated control with active front steering (AFS) and direct yaw moment (DYC) is adopted to control the vehicle yaw rate and sideslip angle simultaneously. Simulation results based on a high-fidelity and full-car model via CarSim-Simulink show the effectiveness of the proposed control approach.