Curved-ribbon-based track modelling for minimum lap-time optimisation

S. Lovato, M. Massaro, D. J.N. Limebeer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Three-dimensional road models for vehicular minimum-lap-time manoeuvring are typically based on curvilinear coordinates and generalizations of the Frenet–Serret formulae. These models describe the road as a parametrized ‘ribbon’, which can be described in terms of three curvature variables. In this abstraction the road is assumed laterally flat. While this class of road models is appropriate in many situations, this is not always the case. In this research we extend the laterally-flat ribbon-type road model to include lateral curvature. This accommodates the case in which the road camber can change laterally across the track. Lateral-position-dependent camber is introduced as a generalisation that is required for some race tracks. A race track model with lateral curvature is constructed using high-resolution LiDAR measurement data. These ideas are demonstrated on a NASCAR raceway, which is characterized by large changes in lateral camber angle (≈ 10 ) on some parts of the track. A free-trajectory optimization is employed to solve a minimum-lap-time optimal control problem. The calculations highlight the practically observed importance of lateral camber variations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2139-2152
Number of pages14
JournalMeccanica
Volume56
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2021

Keywords

  • Cars
  • g–g map
  • Minimum lap-time
  • Nascar
  • Optimal control
  • Three-dimensional roads

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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