Longitudinal Control of Automated Guideway Transit Vehicles Within Platoons

Abstract

This paper demonstrates, via analysis and simulation, the feasibility of a vehicle-follower control system which maintains intervehicular spacings of 30–60 cm within platoons of automated guideway transit (AGT) vehicles. Asymptotic stability of the platoon is shown to be achievable when each vehicle references its speed to that of the platoon leader. Jerk limiting, which is regarded as essential for all AGT longitudinal controllers, is shown to be potentially destabilizing. The nonlinear effects produced by the jerk limiter are analyzed by use of describing functions, and it is demonstrated how the undesirable effects can be avoided.