Modelling and control of an anti-lock braking system via co-simulation

Originally, Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABSs) were conceived to prevent tyres from locking during braking. Modern anti-lock systems aim to maximise the braking forces generated by the tires by preventing the longitudinal slip from exceeding an optimal threshold. This allows stopping distances and times to be reduced, while keeping the ability to steer in all conditions, including wet road. In order to meet the increasing demand, for higher performance and safety continuing development of ABS solutions is required. One critical aspect is the modelling of anti-lock brake system to simulate the longitudinal forces during braking with a high level of confidence. This can be achieved by coupling a full vehicle model in MSC Adams/Car to a model of the ABS system in Simulink, within a co-simulation framework. The co-simulation method can be used to evaluate the performance of state-of-the-art ABS control strategies as well as to develop and test new solutions, including Fuzzy logic. Current and novel control strategies have been compared showing that ABS governed by a Fuzzy logic controller can keep the slip ratio around optimal value with smaller fluctuations and it can improve the braking efficiency and extend the service life of hydraulic components.