Parallel design optimization of articulated heavy vehicles with active safety systems

Abstract

This paper presents a parallel design optimization method for multi-trailer articulated heavy vehicles (MTAHVs) with active safety systems (ASSs). It is a challenge to deal with the trade-off between high-speed stability and low-speed maneuverability. Evolutionary algorithms have been used for the design optimization of MTAHVs, but the computation efficiency is low. To address the problem, a parallel computing technique with a master-slave system is proposed. Active trailer steering, differential braking and anti-roll sub-systems are combined in an integrated ASS. Considering the interactions of Driver-Vehicle-ASS, the method simultaneously searches optimal active and passive variables of the ASS controllers, the driver model, and the trailers using a master-slave computing system. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method provides an effective approach to the design synthesis of MTAHVs with ASSs. © Springer-Verlag 2013.