Steering angle for Autonomous vehicle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the steering angle for an autonomous vehicle, focusing on the relationship between steering angle, wheelbase, road curvature, and vehicle speed. Participants explore theoretical and practical aspects of vehicle dynamics relevant to autonomous systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in calculating the steering angle based on known parameters such as wheelbase, curvature, and vehicle velocity.
  • Another participant references the Ackermann steering geometry as a potential resource.
  • A participant proposes a formula for steering angle (δ = L/R) but questions its applicability across different speeds.
  • It is suggested that while steering angle may generally remain consistent at various speeds, it is influenced by lateral acceleration, which is related to speed and curvature.
  • A more complex relationship involving lateral acceleration and an understeer coefficient (K_us) is introduced, indicating that steering angle can vary based on these factors.
  • Participants discuss the theoretical basis for the understeer coefficient and its dependence on vehicle dynamics, including cornering stiffness and weight distribution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between steering angle and vehicle speed, with some suggesting it remains constant while others argue it varies with lateral acceleration. The discussion does not reach a consensus on this matter.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the steering angle's dependence on speed and lateral acceleration is complex and may vary with different vehicle dynamics, but specific assumptions and limitations are not fully explored.

alex1994
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Dear All,
Hello,
I'm studying electronics engineering and I'm new in vehicle dynamics,
Recently, I make an autonomous vehicle for my final project. In order to control steering angle of vehicle, I have difficulty to measure the steering angle based on curvature road and vehicle velocity.
Anybody can help me, how to calculate steering angle when wheelbase, curvature road and vehicle are already known?

Thanks
 
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Thanks @billy_joule
I already read that kind of steering tutorial.
am I not wrong steering angle (δ) can be determined by δ=L/R
where
L = Wheelbase
R= Radius of curvature
But there isn't relation with the speed.
is the steering angle is same both at high or low speed?
 
alex1994 said:
is the steering angle is same both at high or low speed?
Generally, yes.
 
Steering angle usually varies with lateral acceleration (a_y), which is related to speed (v) and radius of curvature (R) with the following equation: a_y = \frac{v^2}{R}.

The steering angle (\delta), lateral acceleration (related to standard gravity g) and wheelbase (L) are related the following way:
\delta = \frac{L}{R} + K_{us}\frac{a_y}{g}
Where K_{us} is the understeer coefficient of the vehicle. If K_{us} = 0 then the vehicle is said to be «neutral steer» (steering angle independent of lateral acceleration); if K_{us} < 0 then the vehicle is said to be «oversteer».

Theoretically, based on the bicycle model, K_{us} = \frac{W_f}{C_f} - \frac{W_r}{C_r}, where W is the normal weight acting on a tire and C is the cornering stiffness of the tire (f & r subscripts are for «front» and «rear»). The cornering stiffness relates lateral tire force to slip angle.

In practice, K_{us} for a given vehicle varies with lateral acceleration. The way to determine K_{us} for a given vehicle following a path is by plotting the variable \frac{a_y}{g} with respect to \frac{L}{R} - \delta and evaluate:
\frac{d\left(\frac{a_y}{g}\right)}{d\left(\frac{L}{R} - \delta\right)} = - \frac{1}{K_{us}}
From measurements taken within the vehicle, R = \frac{v}{\Omega_z}. Where \Omega_zis the yaw velocity of the vehicle.

Ref.: http://ca.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470170387.html, 2nd ed. by J.Y. Wong
kus-vs-ay.jpg
find-kus.jpg
 
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