Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

In recent years, advances in computing and simulation techniques have facilitated developments in the comprehensive modeling of vehicle systems. The proposed research program's overarching goal is to develop high-fidelity and computationally efficient autonomous vehicle simulation platforms for multiple performance analyses to reduce vehicle power consumption through optimization of the tire-contaminated roadway interaction characteristics. This is work vital for enhancing the operating ranges of electric vehicles and increasing autonomous maneuverability, stability, and safety. The short-term objective of the proposed research is to develop a virtual autonomous vehicle capable of operating and navigating in extreme weather conditions. A state-of-the-art approach will be utilized to incorporate advanced tire-terrain interaction models into the autonomous full-vehicle model. The vehicle-road interactions will particularly focus on extreme weather conditions (contaminated roadways with snow and water), where traditional navigation systems are lacking. The proposed research will provide deeper insights and advanced solutions to critical stability problems such as rollover, skidding, and hydroplaning. Furthermore, the accuracy of autonomous navigation under severe weather conditions will be investigated. The proposed research outcomes including the tire-contaminated roadway interaction characteristics will allow for the determination of optimal driving conditions (optimal longitude slip and low rolling resistance) which leads to reduced hysteresis and thus overall vehicle power optimization. A passenger tire model will be developed and validated using the Finite Element Analysis technique. Additionally, snow and water terrain models will be developed and calibrated using the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics technique to mimic contaminated roadways. A full vehicle model will then be developed using advanced software to simulate vehicle behavior involving interactions between the 3D dynamic vehicle response, and 3D terrains. The tire terrain Interaction characteristics will be imported to the advanced software using extensive lookup tables to represent the tire characteristics over various contaminated roadways. The vehicle performance under different operating and roadway conditions will then be investigated. Furthermore, the lateral stability of the vehicle will be studied under different operating and weather conditions. Finally, autonomous navigation tools will be implemented into the vehicle model to fully automate maneuvers. The proposed research program will be an important addition to the autonomous vehicle-terrain interaction simulation research capabilities. This research program will serve the rising demand for Canadian Transportation and Highway Safety. Furthermore, the program will contribute to highly trained personnel in the field of autonomous vehicle dynamics which is currently lacking in the Canadian market.