Anti-lock braking system simulation and modelling in ADAMS

The paper presents the application of the ADAMS (Automatic Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical Systems) computer programs to model and simulate the performance of an anti-lock braking system (ABS). A study has been conducted based on a single wheel model and dynamic simulations have been carried out which combine a braking algorithm representing the ABS. The braking models described here embody (FIALA) tyre model based on tyre tests carried out within the School of Engineering at Coventry University. These tests were conducted to explore the relationship between tyre braking force and wheel slip. Whilst braking torque is applied to the wheel, slip increases until the wheel is locked and slipping occurs. The simulation results represented here demonstrate how a simple ABS algorithm can be transformed into a vehicle braking model to prevent wheel locking, when severe braking occurs. One of the main objectives of the paper is to investigate the complicated interaction between the tyre and the ABS system, so designers can use this model to decide which tyres are more suitable with an ABS system. This is demonstrated by comparing the ABS algorithm with models using data for two different tyres and also investigating the influence of changing road conditions from dry to wet to ice. The paper concludes with a discussion of the practical difficulties involved in developing realistic algorithms to represent ABS in computer simulation.