Antilock braking performance evaluation of an automotive magnetorheological braking system

Abstract The aim of this work is to propose a novel magneto-rheological (MR) braking system (MRBS) using a magneto-rheological brake (MRB) and evaluate its anti-lock braking performance by theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and experimental verification. Firstly, the linear control mathematical model of the MRB is derived by the operation principle of the MR effect and the structure size of the MRB. Secondly, four different anti-lock braking controllers are designed for the MRBS to analyse the control performance under various road conditions. Subsequently, a flywheel type 1/4 vehicle antilock braking system test bench is established for investigates the antilock braking performance of the MRBS. The simulation results demonstrate that the road recognition based fuzzy proportional integral derivative (RRBF-PID) controller can maximize the utilization of the road adhesion coefficient. Furthermore, the RRBF-PID controller can shorten the braking time and distance, as well as maintain the stability of the braking direction during the braking process. In this work, the MRBS exhibits a satisfactory antilock braking performance under different road conditions and the research results could provide a reliable theoretical and experimental basis for the MRBS.