Non-linear model-based predictive control of vehicle dynamics in terms of active roll stabilization and pitch reduction

This article presents a non-linear model-based control approach that specifically influences the vehicle dynamics, in particular the roll and pitch behavior of a passenger car. The aim of such a driving dynamics control is to increase safety in critical areas of vehicle dynamics, and generally to increase the comfort while driving. The roll behavior is defined as a rotation about the vehicle-fixed longitudinal axis. A rotation about the lateral vehicle-fixed axis is described by the pitch behavior. Based on a non-linear predictive control algorithm for active roll stabilization, the pitch behavior is additionally reduced in the control approach presented here. Through the modeled vehicle, equipped with active stabilizers and semi-active shock absorbers, chassis movements and thereby also pitching movements can be reduced especially using the shock absorbers. By considering the pitching behavior in the model-based predictive controller, driving comfort is thus further enhanced.