Influence of freeplay and friction in steering system on double lane change manoeuvre - modelling and simulation studies

Modelling and simulation investigations of a car non-linear dynamics with regard to freeplay (backlash in steering gear) and friction (kinetic and static friction in king-pins) is always a challenge for researchers. Fortunately, by special luz(...) and tar(...) projections and their mathematical apparatus the elaborated models and simulation procedures of stick-slip phenomena in a steering system are managed in efficient forms (without any entangle constraints) even for optimization and sensitivity studies. Exactly, the presented studies deal with problems of sensitivity of optimized maneuvers for vehicle models considering freeplay / friction effects. Double lane change maneuvers (overtaking and avoiding) are discussed. A criterion function refers to several evaluations (precision of maneuver, calm steering, feeling of comfortable travel). The optimization of steering wheel angle signal is done on a reference model with "nominal" freeplay and friction parameters. Such input signal is applied to a "real" vehicle having "real" freeplay and friction parameters. The differences of output signals as well as differences between criterion function values are a subject of sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity of reference models on a variation of freeplay and friction parameters appears as important from theoretical as well as practical points of view. The paper takes up the problems of sensitivity analysis of steering system model applied for synthesis steering algorithms for a double lane change maneuver.