Vehicle Sideslip Angle Estimation Based on Tire Model Adaptation

Information about the vehicle sideslip angle is crucial for the successful implementation of advanced stability control systems. In production vehicles, sideslip angle is difficult to measure within the desired accuracy level because of high costs and other associated impracticalities. This paper presents a novel framework for estimation of the vehicle sideslip angle. The proposed algorithm utilizes an adaptive tire model in conjunction with a model-based observer. The proposed adaptive tire model is capable of coping with changes to the tire operating conditions. More specifically, extensions have been made to Pacejka's Magic Formula expressions for the tire cornering stiffness and peak grip level. These model extensions account for variations in the tire inflation pressure, load, tread depth and temperature. The vehicle sideslip estimation algorithm is evaluated through experimental tests done on a rear wheel drive (RWD) vehicle. Detailed experimental results show that the developed system can reliably estimate the vehicle sideslip angle during both steady state and transient maneuvers.