Title: Vehicle rollover recovery using active steering/wheel torque control

Authors: Taehyun Shim, Daniel Toomey, Chinar Ghike, Hemant M. Sardar

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan-Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI, USA. ' Design Research Engineering, 46475 DeSoto Ct., Novi, MI 48377, USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan-Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI, USA. ' Steering and Suspension Engineering, TRW Automotive, 34201 Van Dyke Ave., P.O. Box 8008, Sterling Heights, MI 48311-8008, USA

Abstract: It is well understood that the driver|s steering input strongly affects lateral vehicle dynamics, and excessive steering command may result in unstable vehicle motion. In a certain driving condition, it is possible for a skilled driver to prevent vehicle rollover with better perceptive capability of judging conditions and responding faster with smooth compensatory actions. This paper investigates the possibility of using active steering and wheel torque control to assist drivers in avoiding vehicle rollovers in emergency situations. The effectiveness of steering control alone and the combination of steering/wheel torque control in recovery from an unstable roll condition were demonstrated through simulation of both low and high vehicle speeds.

Keywords: roll stability; rollover recovery; active steering; wheel torque control; roll control; vehicle rollover; simulation; high speeds; low speeds.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2008.017069

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2008 Vol.46 No.1, pp.51 - 71

Published online: 06 Feb 2008 *

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