Compensatory model predictive control for post-impact trajectory tracking via active front steering and differential torque vectoring

This paper investigates the trajectory tracking control of independently actuated autonomous vehicles after the first impact, aiming to mitigate the secondary collision probability. An integrated predictive control strategy is proposed to mitigate the deteriorated state propagation and facilitate safety objective achievement in critical conditions after a collision. Three highlights can be concluded in this work: (1) A compensatory model predictive control (MPC) strategy is proposed to incorporate a feedforward-feedback compensation control (FCC) method. Based on the definite physical analysis, it is verified that adequate reverse steering and differential torque vectoring render more potentials and flexibility for vehicle post-impact control; (2) With compensatory portions, the deteriorated states after a collision are far beyond the traditional stability envelope. Hence it can be further manipulated in MPC by constraint transformation, rather than introducing soft constraints and decreasing the control efforts on tracking error; (3) Considering time-varying saturation on input, input rate, and slip ratio, the proposed FCC-MPC controller is developed to improve faster deviation attenuation both in lateral and yaw motions. Finally two high-fidelity simulation cases implemented on CarSim-Simulink conjoint platform have demonstrated that the proposed controller has the advanced capabilities of vehicle safety improvement and better control performance achievement after severe impacts.