Model reference adaptive LQT control for anti-jerk utilizing tire-road interaction characteristics

Sudden vehicle propulsion torque change under tip-in/out maneuver often leads to low-frequency longitudinal vibration due to the flexibility in the half-shaft and tire slip, which greatly affects vehicle drivability. Note that the vibration frequency is between 1 and 10 Hz and is difficult to be absorbed by the vehicle mechanical system. To optimize the vehicle drivability under tip-in maneuver, an Adaptive Linear Quadratic Tracking (ALQT) anti-jerk traction controller is proposed in this paper. Based on the experimental data, a Carsim-Simulink co-simulation model is developed for assessing control performance. A control-oriented model, considering the nonlinear characteristics of the tire-road friction coefficient and slip ratio, is then proposed. A reference model with rigid axle is used to provide the equilibrium points and reference velocity trajectory. Jacobi linearization method is then used to linearize the model along the desired trajectory and a linear deviation model based on equilibrium points is obtained. Finally, the deviation compensation receding horizon LQT controller is designed along with the Kalman state estimation. The effectiveness of the designed controller is assessed via simulation studies under different road surfaces and compared with PID and LQR controllers. The LQT controller is able to track the desired velocity profile with minimum jerk while increasing road safety. Furthermore, the effect of LQT weighting coefficients under different road surfaces are discussed. Simulation results show that the ALQT controller is able to optimize vehicle drivability under different road surfaces and the weighting matrices shall be selected based on the road condition for optimal drivability.