Mechanical Systems Laboratory
  
 * Home * Research * Publications * Courses * People * Contact Us * Login

Research Work on Nonholonomic/Underactuated Robots Using Potential Theory and Singular Perturbation Theory

Potential Theory has been traditionally applied for planning and control of omnidirectional point robots. In our research, we extend this theory to nonholonomic robots e.g. wheeled robots with a no-slip constraint, by using local potential-fields. We are also developing techniques for control of underactuated robots (like Inverted Wheeled Pendulum, Helicopter) by combining potential theory with Singular Perturbation Theory. Please refer to the links and publications below.

Potential Theory for Nonholonomic Differentially-driven vehicles
Planning and Control of Helicopters using 3D bubbles
Velocity and Position Controller Design for an Inverted Wheeled Pendulum

 

Modeling of the Military HMMWV


Utilizing Newton-Euler equations we derived a full vehicle dynamic model of the four-wheel-drive HMMWV.

This model is intended for use within vehicle control algorithms. It includes formulations for the subsystems, including: brakes, power train,  suspension springs, and anti-roll bar. The model is 3D, capable of losing ground contact, as seen in the animation to the right.


(click to view)
Simulation where the vehicle is dropped from 30 cm. above its equilibrium position.


(click to view)
Simulation where the vehicle is driven over three consecutive speed bumps.

Terrain variations are expressed in an explicit form and used as an input to the tire contact model.
Researchers:
Randy Sleight Randy recently completed his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree and is currently seeking employment (view resume). In the meantime, he will continue modifications on the HMMWV simulation and control. He is interested in developing autonomous vehicles, whether they be air vehicles, ground vehicles, or even vacuums. On a broader scope, he would like to be involved in the design, evaluation, testing, and implementation of mechanical and/or control systems. 
Publications:
view PDF Sleight, R.T. and Agrawal, S.K. “ Dynamic Model of a Four-Wheel-Drive HMMWV.”, 2004 ASME Design Engineering Technical Conferences. Salt Lake City.
view PDF Masters thesis by Randy Sleight; Detailing the modeling, simulation and control of the HMMWV model.
Download the model:
The model was derived using Matlab's symbolic toolbox. The script files for both the derivation and the execution of the model are available here.

revised 2004.10.13

Publications

* Planning and Control of Indoor/Outdoor Mobile Robots
* Unmanned Ground Robots in Groups
* Wheeled Inverted Pendulum (Segway Robots)
* Spherical Ball-like Robots
* Multi-Segmented Robots


Current researchers Kaustubh Pathak
Ji-Chul Ryu
Dept. of Mechanical Engg. | University of Delaware Visitors: 18187, Hits: 980459