Dynamic Vehicle Center-of-Gravity and Gross Weight Estimation Using Readily Available Sensors

Poseidon Systems, in collaboration with Rochester Institute of Technology proposes to develop and demonstrate a novel sytem for estimating vehicle gross weight and center-of-gravity location using an innovative nonlinear real-time filter based method. The proposed algorithm uses known physics-based kinematic relationships between vehicle states for the estimation process and requires minimal set of low cost sensors that can be easily integrated into existing vehicle platforms. The physics-based kinematic relationships are used to derive the vehicle"s imposed loading estimates. Once the imposed load is determined the algorithm quickly isolates the vehicle"s gross weight and center-of-gravity. The new real-time filtering algorithm is based on an augmented version of the Sliding Mode Control algorithm which guarantees stable convergence of the vehicle"s gross weight and center-of-gravity estimates. Preliminary simulation studies applied to aircraft systems have demonstrated fast convergence of the aircraft"s gross weight and center-of-gravity location within a high degree of accuracy. Phase I will focus on proof-of-concept software-in-the-loop demonstration, refinement to the current algorithms, and development of the supporting sensing platform. Phase II efforts will bring a fully embedded, field-ready system that will be demonstrated using a relevant military ground vehicle platform for a mission profile.