Steering strategies for multi-axle vehicles

Abstract

The object of this study is to extend 4WS idea to an n-axle vehicle in general and to simulate some multi-axle vehicles with the derived strategies in an attempt to determine the best steering strategy. By extending the strategies used for four-wheel steering two-axle vehicles which have been extensively studied in literature, general strategies are established for an n-axle vehicle. Using integrated nonlinear ride and handling models in Matlab & Simulink, it is shown that lateral acceleration and yaw velocity responses can be improved while keeping zero vehicle sideslip angle by steering wheels on intermediate axles.