Algorithms for real-time estimation of individual wheel tire-road friction coefficients

Rajesh Rajamani, Gridsada Phanomchoeng, Damrongrit Piyabongkarn, Jae Y. Lew

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

276 Scopus citations

Abstract

It is well recognized in the automotive research community that knowledge of the real-time tire-road friction coefficient can be extremely valuable for active safety applications, including traction control, yaw stability control and rollover prevention. Previous research results in literature have focused on the estimation of average tire-road friction coefficient for the entire vehicle. This paper explores the development of algorithms for reliable estimation of independent friction coefficients at each individual wheel of the vehicle. Three different observers are developed for the estimation of slip ratios and longitudinal tire forces, based on the types of sensors available. After estimation of slip ratio and tire force, the friction coefficient is identified using a recursive least-squares parameter identification formulation. The observers include one that utilizes engine torque, brake torque, and GPS measurements, one that utilizes torque measurements and an accelerometer and one that utilizes GPS measurements and an accelerometer. The developed algorithms are first evaluated in simulation and then evaluated experimentally on a Volvo XC90 sport utility vehicle. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of estimating friction coefficients at the individual wheels reliably and quickly. The sensitivities of the observers to changes in vehicle parameters are evaluated and comparisons of robustness of the observers are provided.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number5959213
Pages (from-to)1183-1195
Number of pages13
JournalIEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics
Volume17
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

Keywords

  • Estimation
  • observer
  • tire-road friction coefficient
  • vehicle dynamics

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