UC Davis

Rear-wheel steering (RWS) as we know it today is an idea that has been around for decades. Almost all literature discusses the technology though the conventional use, where the rear steers opposite the front at low speeds and in phase at high speeds. The work in this dissertation explores additional uses and benefits for using RWS.

The first idea explores decoupling yaw motion and lateral motion in order to allow the vehicle to behave with much more freedom than its front steering only counterpart. The handling characteristics are then controlled by a novel model reference concept, a virtual wheel base.

The second use explores how rear-wheel steering can enhance safety features in the vehicle. Rear-wheel steering is coupled with antilock braking and electronic stability control. These concepts show promising results and improvements to the vehicle.