The performance of most electronic chassis control systems in the past has been optimized individually. Recently, a great research effort has been dedicated to the integration of chassis control systems in an effort to improve the vehicle performance. This involves orchestration of individual control modules so that they can jointly contribute to the enhancement of their control effect. In this research, two integrated control logics for AFS (Active Front Steering) and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) have been developed. Of the two logics, one uses a supervisor that rules over the individual modules. The other logic uses a CL (Characteristic Locus) method, which is a frequency-domain multivariable control technique. The two logics have been tested under various driving conditions to investigate their control effects. The results indicate that the proposed integrated control logics can yield vehicle performance that is superior to that of the individual control modules without any integration scheme.

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This paper presents an analysis of the vehicle structural performance in the event of a small-overlap frontal impact (SOFI), based on a computer-based crash simulation model. The vehicle model was used for SOFI simulation according to real small-overlap test conditions. The crash simulation results were used to evaluate the overall vehicle structure through a comparison of intrusion measurements with the rating guidelines of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The parts sensitive to a small-overlap crash were confirmed. Thickness optimization was conducted to strengthen the rocker panel, A-pillar, and lower hinge pillar in order to improve the vehicle structural performance in the event of a SOFI. The best values among the variables were chosen for the new design. The crash analysis using finite element models showed that the most serious deformation occurred to the A-pillar. In this study, the grade of the overall structure was changed from "poor" to "marginal".