In this paper, two models were developed to describe the lateral dynamics of a vehicle for different purposes. The lateral feedback and feedforward controllers are designed to satisfy the above objective based on a linearized model, which includes only the lateral and yaw motions. The performance of the controllers is evaluated on a complex model, which includes motions in all six directions (longitudinal, lateral, vertical, roll, pitch and yaw). It has been validated by numerical simulations that the responses of the complex model and the simplified model remain close to each other when the steering is not too abrupt.

This report introduces an optimal preview control algorithm which utilizes preview information pertaining to road curvature as well as superelevation angle for vehicle lateral control purposes. The optimal control law consists of both feedback control action and feedforward preview control action. The feedforward preview control action significantly improves tracking performance while maintaining a small closed loop bandwidth so ride quality is not impaired. Frequency domain analyses and numerical simulation results show improvements obtained in both frequency domain and time domain

Addresses issues regarding the implementation of an integration of several specific technologies involved in achieving lateral guidance of an experimental automotive vehicle on an automated highway. Results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed discrete magnetic marker reference/sensing system. In addition, the performance and limitations of a PID/feedforward controller is investigated with respect to tracking accuracy of straight and curved sections as well as robustness to changes in load, longitudinal velocity, and cornering stiffness.

This report summarizes an experimental effort in integrating and testing an automated vehicle lateral control system. The project, a cooperative effort between the California Partners for Advanced Transit and Highway ( PATH) Program and IMRA America, Inc., included a discrete roadway reference system, on-vehicle magnetic sensing system, a computer control system and a hydraulic actuator.