<p dir="ltr">Path-tracking control is an integral part of motion planning in autonomous vehicles, in which the vehicle's lateral and longitudinal positions are controlled by a control system that will provide acceleration and steering angle commands to ensure accurate tracking of longitudinal and lateral movements in reference to a pre-defined trajectory. Extensive research has been conducted to address the growing need for efficient algorithms in this area. In this dissertation, a scenario and machine learning-based data-driven control approach is proposed for a path-tracking controller. Firstly, a Deep Reinforcement Learning model is developed to facilitate the control of longitudinal speed. A Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient algorithm is employed as the primary algorithm in training the reinforcement learning model. The main objective of this model is to maintain a safe distance from a lead vehicle (if present) or track a velocity set by the driver. Secondly, a lateral steering controller is developed using Neural Networks to control the steering angle of the vehicle with the main goal of following a reference trajectory. Then, a path-planning algorithm is developed using a hybrid A* planner. Finally, the longitudinal and lateral control models are coupled together to obtain a complete path-tracking controller that follows a path generated by the hybrid A* algorithm at a wide range of vehicle speeds. The state-of-the-art path-tracking controller is also built using Model Predictive Control and Stanley control to evaluate the performance of the proposed model. The results showed the effectiveness of both proposed models in the same scenario, in terms of velocity error, lateral yaw angle error, and lateral distance error. The results from the simulation show that the developed hybrid A* algorithm has good performance in comparison to the state-of-the-art path planning algorithms.</p>

This master thesis report has studied several methods to improve the energy consumption of an electric vehicle equipped with two permanent magnet synchronous motors. Two driving torque distribution maps are developed based on efficiency map and load transfer, respectively. The drive torque distribution map based on the efficiency map shows up to 8.94% energy saving. Two regenerative braking strategies are designed and compared. Both strategies have pure regenerative brake at low decelerations and it is controlled by a modified acceleration pedal map. Strategy 1 does not add more regenerative braking when the brake pedal is pressed thus it is simpler while strategy 2 can blend in more motor torque. Rear axle steering is also studied in terms of contribution to energy consumption and an LQR controller is developed to control the vehicle with rear axle steering. / Denna rapport avhandlar ett examensarbete där flera metoder har studerats för att förbättra energikonsumptionen för ett elektriskt fordon med två permanentmagnetsynkrona motorer. Två fördelningskartor för drivande moment är framtagna baserat på effektivitetskartor och lastöverföring. Fördelningskartorna för drivande moment som är baserat på effektivitet visar upp till 8,94% energiminskning. Två olika regenerativa bromsstrategier är framtagna och jämförda. Båda strategierna har ren regeneration vid låga decelerationer och är reglerat genom modifierat gaspedalsmappning. Strategi 1 ger inte mer regeneration när bromspedalen trycks ned och är då enklare medans strategi 2 kan blanda in mer vridmoment från elmotorn. Bakaxelstyrning är också studerat i termer av dess bidrag till energikonsumption samt en LQR regulator är utvecklad för reglering av fordonets bakaxelstyrning.

A conceptual design of an innovative two-axle lightweight railway vehicle for commuter services is carried out at KTH Railway Group. An active wheelset steering is introduced to improve the curving performance of the vehicle, which is one of the critical performance requirements. This thesis aims to improve the steering performance of the active wheelset steering. Look-up tables for estimating time-varying wheel-rail contact parameters are introduced to supervise a simple PID controller of the active steering system in order to improve steering performance. The look-up table (LUT) estimation is focused on time-varying wheel-rail contact parameters, including creep coefficients and contact patch variables due to their direct influence on curving performance and lateral stability of the wheelset. As a result, the estimated longitudinal unit creep forces (UCF) have the potential to supervise the gains determination of PID controller because it can appropriately distinguish running conditions. The estimation of longitudinal UCF is achieved by the combination of the results from the LUT of creep coefficients and the LUT of contact patch variables. The result from longitudinal unit creep force estimation is shifted to the first quadrant to use as critical gain in the Ziegler-Nichols tuning method for the PID controller. The critical oscillation period for PID tuning can be expressed as a function of vehicle speed. Consequently, the PID controller for the active steering system uses time-varying gains with real-time tuning. The proposed control system for active wheelset steering is validated with nine running conditions using SIMPACK and MATLAB/Simulink co-simulation. The proposed control system provides a stable wheelset lateral displacement control regardless of the running condition. The active steering system significantly reduces wheel-rail wear, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed active steering system. / KTH:s Järnvägsgruppen utvecklar en konceptuell design av ett innovativt, två-axligt, lättvikts järnvägsfordon för tunnelbana eller pendeltåg. En aktiv hjuparsstyrning introduceras för att förbättra kurvtagningsförmågan hos fordonet, vilket är ett av de kritiska prestandakraven hos dessa fordon. Det här examensarbetet har som målsättning att förbättra styrningsprestandan av den aktiva hjulsatsstyrningen. För att uppskatta tidsvarierande hjul-rälskontaktparametrar introduceras pre-definierade tabeller (LUT) som en övervakning av en enkel PID-kontroll för det aktiva styrningssystemet, för att förbättra styrprestandan. Uppskattningen som baseras på tabellen fokuserar på tidsberoende hjul-rälsparametrar, inklusive krypkoefficienter och kontaktytans storlek och form. Dessa variabler är i fokus på grund av deras direkta effekt på kurvtagningsförmågan och den laterala stabiliteten hos hjulparet. Den uppskattade longitudinala enhets krypkraften (UCF) har potential att bestämma förstärkningen hos PID-kontrollen på grund av att den, på ett lämpligt sätt, kan skilja mellan olika körtillstånd. Uppskattningen av longitudinell UCF uppnås genom en kombination av resultat för krypkoefficienter och kontaktytavariabler i LUT. Resultaten från den longitudinella UCF-uppskattningen skiftas till den första kvadranten för att användas som kritisk förstärkning i Ziegler-Nichols justeringsmetod för PID-kontroller. Den kritiska oscillationsperioden för PID-justering kan utryckas som en funktion av fordonets hastighet. Utgående från detta använder PID-kontrollen tidsvarierande förstärkning med realtidsjustering för den aktiva styrningen. Det föreslagna kontrollsystemet valideras mot nio körtillstånd med hjälp av SIMPACK och MATLAB/Simulink-simuleringar. Det föreslagna kontrollsystemet tillhandahåller en stabil lateral förflyttning av hjulparet oberoende av körtillstånd. Det aktiva styrsystemet reducerar hjul-räls slitaget signifikant, vilket demonstrerar effektiviteten hos det framtagna aktiva styrsystemet.

Force feedback steering wheels are used in games or simulations and provides the driver with a more realistic experience in different simulated driving environments. These simulators can also improve driving skills and help reduce costs and time in the development of automotive technology. This project is conducted at Luleå University of Technology for a bachelor degree at the automotive system technology program. The aim is to design and fabricate a functioning compact force feedback steering wheel that includes manufacturing mechanical parts with a 3D-printer and designing high precision parts with CAD software. The integration of advanced electronics is also part of the project. The challenge is to make the mechanical parts and electronics work seamlessly together in order to create a well-functioning system and at the same time reduce costs to the budget. This project is a test of the wide range of engineering abilities learned in the automotive system technology program. Limitations and challenges include the limited area of the 3D printer, the low cost electric motor and the limited space inside of the steering wheel unit which result in a compact product. Part of the project is also to compare existing products on the market to create a product specification and bench marking.

De nombreuses applications civiles et militaires (faisceaux hertziens, futurs réseaux mobiles, communications par satellite, radars automobiles, systèmes d’imagerie haute résolution) nécessitent des antennes à faisceau reconfigurable (dépointage de faisceau, faisceaux multiples, faisceaux formés). Les antennes à réseaux transmetteurs apparaissent comme une alternative aux réseaux phasés classiques ou aux réseaux réflecteurs pour ces applications. L’objectif principal de cette thèse est de démontrer la faisabilité de réseaux reconfigurables fabriqués avec des technologies standards en bande Ka (20-30 GHz). Divers cellules élémentaires utilisant des diodes p-i-n et fonctionnant en polarisation linéaire ou circulaire ont été conçues, optimisées et caractérisées. Les mesures en guide d’onde montrent des pertes minimales de 1,09 dB à 29,0 GHz et une bande passante à 3 dB de 14,7%. Une méthode de simulation hybride a été développée afin d’analyser efficacement des réseaux de grandes dimensions utilisant des rotations séquentielles d’éléments pour optimiser la qualité de polarisation et les diagrammes de rayonnement. Un réseau de 400 cellules élémentaires fonctionnant en polarisation circulaire a été réalisé et testé en chambre anéchoïque. Un dépointage électronique de ±60° et la possibilité de commuter entre les deux polarisations circulaires (droite/gauche) ont été démontrés. / Several civil and military applications (hertzian beams, satellite communications, automotive radars, high resolution imaging systems) require antennas with reconfigurable beam capabilities (beam-scanning, beamshaping, multiple beam generation). Transmitarray antennas are good candidates and represent an alternative to classical phased arrays or reflect-arrays for these applications. The main objective of this thesis is to demonstrate the feasibility of reconfigurable transmitarrays fabricated with standard technologies in Ka-band (20-30 GHz). Different unit-cell designs based on p-i-n diodes have been developed to work in linear and circular polarization. Their optimization and experimental characterization have been performed. Waveguide measurements show insertion losses of 1.09 dB at 29.0 GHz with a 3-dB bandwidth of 14.7%. A hybrid simulation technique has been developed in order to analyze efficiently large transmitarrays in which the sequential rotation technique has been applied to optimize the polarization quality and the radiation patterns. A 400-elements transmitarray operating in circular polarization has been realized and tested in anechoic chamber. A beam-scanning angular coverage of ±60° and circular polarization selection (left/right) have been demonstrated.

Two and three-wheeled vehicles are being used in increasing numbers in many emerging countries. The dynamics of such vehicles are very different from those of cars and other means of transportation. This thesis deals with a study of the dynamics of a motorcycle and an extensively used three-wheeled vehicle, called an “auto-rickshaw” in India. The commercially available multi-body dynamics (MBD) software, ADAMS, is used to model both the vehicles and simulations are performed to obtain insight into their dynamics. In the first part of the thesis, a study of the two wheeler dynamics is presented. A fairly detailed model of a light motorcycle with all the main sub-systems, such as the frame, front fork, shock absorbers , power train, brakes, front and rear wheel including tire slips and the rider is created in ADAMS-Motorcycle. The simulation results dealing with steering torques and angles for steady turns on a circular path are presented. From the simulation results and analytical models, it is shown that for path radius much greater than motorcycle wheel base, the steering torque and angle can be described by only two functions for each of the two variables. The first function is related to the lateral acceleration and can be determined numerically and the second function, in terms of the inverse of the path radius, is derived as an analytical approximation. Various tire and geometric parameters are varied in the ADAMS simulations and it is clearly shown that steady circular motion of a motorcycle can be reasonably approximated by only two curves–one for steering torque and one for steering angle. In the second part of the thesis, a stability analysis of the three-wheeled “autorickshaw” is presented. The steering instability is one of the major problems of the “auto-rickshaw” and this is studied using a MBD model created in ADAMS-CAR .In an Initial model the frame ,steering column and rear-forks (trailing arms) are assumed to be rigid. A linear eigenvalue analysis, at different speeds, reveals a predominantly steering oscillation, called a “wobble” mode, with a frequency in the range of 5 to 6Hz. The analysis results show that the damping of this mode is small but positive up to the maximum speed(14m/s) of the three-wheeled vehicle. Experiments performed on the three-wheeled vehicle show that the mode is unstable at speeds below 8.33m/s and thus the experimental results do not agree with the model. Next, this wobble instability is studied with an analytical model, similar to the model proposed for wheel shimmy problem in aircrafts. The results of this model show that the wobble is stable at low speeds regardless of the magnitude of torsional stiffness of steering column. This is also not matching with the experimental result. A more refined MBD model with flexibility incorporated in the frame, steering column and the trailing arm is constructed. Simulation results with the refined model show three modes of steering oscillations. Two of these are found to be well damped and the third is found to be lightly damped with negative damping at low speeds, and the results of the model with the flexibility is shown to be matching reasonably well with the experimental results. Detailed simulations with flexibility of each body incorporated, one at a time, show that the flexibility in the steering column is the main contributor of the steering instability and the instability is similar to the wheel shimmy problem in aircrafts. Finally, studies of modal interaction on steering instabilities and parametric studies with payload and trail are presented.

The diploma thesis deals with the turning technique of cars and common drivers. The thesis examines the behavior of vehicles and drivers when cornering, forward and reverse driving. The aim of the thesis is to analyze the technique of turning vehicles and common drivers and apply the acquired data to simulation programs for road accident analysis. The individual aims of the thesis are theoretical description of the given problem and experimental verification of the parameters of radii, angles and time course of turning of different vehicles and common drivers in forward and reverse driving under comparable conditions and to describe mutual relations.

Tato diplomová práce byla psána při studentské zahraniční stáži, pod záštitou Evropské Unie – program „ERASMUS Student Mobility for Placement“. Stáž byla absolvována mezi prosincem 2010 a květnem 2011 ve společnosti a.d.Tramontana, mající sídlo v Palau de Santa Eulália, Španělsko. Pro kompletní návrh podvozku a odpružení jakéhokoli vozidla je nezbytná znalost mnoha technických disciplín. Tato diplomová práce se zabývá dvěma z nich – odpružení a řízení. Nejprve je rozebrána teorie, na kterou se může navázat v praktické části práce. Velká pozornost byla věnována srozumitelnosti textu a názornosti obrázků, bez zbytečných detailů, avšak bez vynechání důležitého. Tuto práci je tedy možné užít jako prvního kroku před návrhem podvozku. V další části je popsáno, jak byla probraná teorie využita při návrhu řízení u skutečného vozu, přičemž největší pozornost je věnována Ackermannově teorii řízení a geometrii zabraňující samořízení při propružení. V závěrečných částech je pozornost věnována ukázce některých z každodenních činností v malosériové výrobě automobilů – jde o zjištění maximálně možného pohybu kola při propružení a proces výroby příčných trojúhelníkových ramen včetně návrhu jejich připevnění k šasi.

Engineers frequently use computerized numeric models to calculate and predict water levels and current patterns for rivers, bays, and other bodies of water. This computation often involves an iterative process known as incremental loading that can cause frustration and consume a lot of time. Although the steering module in the Surface-water Modeling System (SMS) automates incremental loading to minimize user interaction, it can still be very time consuming. This thesis examines the steering module and the incremental loading process to improve its efficiency. Specifically, the RMA2 and FESWMS models are utilized. Two methods of improving efficiency are examined. The first includes creating predicted solution files for each step of the incremental loading process. These predictions allow the steering module to take larger steps and decrease the computation time. The second method changes the algorithm used to determine the size of each step. Finally, the interface to the process was examined and simplified to require minimal input and to make the input more intuitive.

The goal of this thesis work is to evaluate and quantify the advantages and disadvantages of Active Rear Steering (ARS). The evaluation is carried out through Multi-Body System (MBS) simulations. An analytical model has been developed to better understand the basic dynamics of vehicles equipped with rear steering. In parallel, a high fidelity MBS model is developed in Simpack. This model includes suspension kinematics and compliance, allowing for detailed analyses of steering hardware performance. Next, different control strategies aiming at improving manoeuvrability, stability and agility are implemented in Simulink. In order to assess their effectiveness, the high fidelity model is utilised by running co-simulation with Simulink. Manoeuvrability is assessed through constant steer, constant radius and ramp steer manoeuvres. Stability is assessed through transient manoeuvres such as step steer and sine with dwell. Agility is assessed through step steer and frequency response. Ultimately, also a subjective assessment is carried out by means of Volvo Cars' dynamic driving simulator. The conclusion from the assessment is that the drivers feel the all wheel steered vehicle more stable during evasive manoeuvres. It is concluded that for manoeuvrability the minimum turning radius is reduced by 19 % at low velocity; this implies that the steering angle request is reduced at low velocity, while it is increased at high velocity. A slightly higher steering angle request at high velocity might be beneficial since the driver would be able to control the vehicle in a wider range of steering wheel angles. For agility the results are contradicting: on the one hand, according to the step steer rise time difference between lateral acceleration and yaw rate, the controlled vehicles are performing worse than the passive vehicle; on the other hand, according to the frequency response analysis, both the delays between steering input and yaw rate and between lateral acceleration and yaw rate are reduced up to respectively 75 % and 46 % for the considered frequency range. Finally, for stability, the yaw rate overshoot from a step steer can be reduced up to 65 % at high velocity and the sideslip angle can always be reduced. The vehicle equipped with ARS outperforms the passive vehicle in the sine with dwell manoeuvre. / Målet med detta examensarbete är att utvärdera och kvantifiera fördelarna och nackdelarna med Active Rear Steer (ARS) för Volvo Cars. Utvärderingen utförs genom Multi-Body System (MBS) simuleringar. En analytisk modell har utvecklats för att bättre förstå den grundläggande dynamiken i fordon utrustade med bakhjulsstyrning. Parallelt utvecklades en MBS-modell med hög precision i Simpack. Denna modell inkluderar hjulupphängningens kinematik och eftergivlighet, vilket möjliggör detaljerade analyser av styrhårdvarans prestanda. Därefter implementeras olika kontrollstrategier som syftar till att förbättra manövrerbarhet, stabilitet och agilitet i Simulink. För att bedöma deras effektivitet används MBS-modellen för att köra co-simulering med Simulink.Manövrerbarhet bedöms genom konstant styrning, konstant radie och rampstyrning. Stabilitet bedöms genom transienta manövrar som stegstyrning och sinus med fördröjning. Agilitet bedöms genom stegstyrning och frekvensrespons. Slutligen görs också en subjektiv bedömning med hjälp av Volvo Cars dynamiska körsimulator. Slutsatsen från bedömningen är att förarna anser att fordonet upplevs vara mycket stabilare vid undanmanövrar. Vidare är slutsatsen att för manövrerbarhet minskar den minsta svängradien med 19 % vid mycket låg hastighet; detta innebär att styrvinkel reduceras vid låg hastighet, medan den ökar vid hög hastighet. En något högre styrvinkeln kan vara fördelaktig eftersom föraren skulle kunna styra fordonet i ett större rattvinkelområde. För agilitet är resultaten motsägelsefulla: å ena sidan, enligt stegstyrningstidsskillnaden mellan lateral acceleration och girhastighet, fungerar de aktiva fordonen sämre än det passiva fordonet; å andra sidan, enligt frekvensresponsanalysen, reduceras både fördröjningarna mellan girhastighet och styrvinkel och mellan lateral acceleration och girhastighet upp till ungefär 30 %. Slutligen, för stabilitet, kan girhastighetens översläng från en stegstyrning minskas upp till 65 % vid hög hastighet och avdriftsvinkeln kan alltid minskas. Fordonet som är utrustat med ARS överträffar det passiva fordonet i manövern sinus med fördröjning.