Identifying tyre models directly from vehicle test data using an extended Kalman filter

Individual tyre models are traditionally derived from component tests, with their parameters matched to force and slip measurements. They are imported into vehicle models which should, but do not always properly provide suspension geometry interaction. Recent advances in Global Positioning System (GPS)/inertia vehicle instrumentation now make full state measurement viable in test vehicles, so tyre slip behaviour is directly measurable. This paper uses an extended Kalman filter for system identification, to derive individual load-dependent tyre models directly from these test vehicle state measurements. The resulting model therefore implicitly compensates for suspension geometry and compliance. The paper looks at two variants of the tyre model, and also considers real-time adaptation of the model to road surface friction variations. Test vehicle results are used exclusively, and the results show successful tyre model identification, improved vehicle model state prediction – particularly in lateral velocity reproduction – and an effective real-time solution for road friction estimation.