Vehicle path optimization of emergency lane change maneuvers for vehicle simulation

Driver-based handling tests, such as the Double Lane Change (DLC) maneuver are subjective in nature and depend largely on driver skill and road conditions. They also suffer from poor repeatability. Implementation of these tests on hardware-in-the-loop simulators can also produce subjective results if the steer profiles are not systematically generated. This research produced a vehicle path optimization model that generated optimal paths for handling tests based on minimizing the maximum curvature during the maneuver. This approach lessened the dynamics of the vehicle and increased the chances of successful test results at given speeds. Excel's Solver was used for the optimization. The model results were compared to field test and hardware-in-the-loop test results, showing potential for reductions in lateral acceleration and vehicle side-slip.