Analysis of the Lateral Motion of a Tractor-Trailer Combination (II) Operator/Vehicle System with Time Delay for Backward Maneuver

In order to analyze lateral control in the backward maneuver of a tractor -trailer combination , a kinematic vehicle model and a human operator model with time delay were utilized for the operator/vehicle system. The analysis was carried out using the frequency domain approach. The open-loop stability of the vehicle motion was analyzed through the transfer functions. The sensitivity of the stability of the vehicle motion. to a change in the steering angle, was also analyzed. A mathematical model of the closed -loop operator/vehicle system was then formulated. The closed -loop stability of the operator /vehicle system was then analyzed. The effect of the delay time on the system was also analyzed through computer simulation.