Hierarchical Yaw–Roll Stability Control of Semi-Trailers Based on Joint Estimation of Equivalent Parameters

<div>Semi-trailers are widely used in highway freight transportation because of their large payload capacity and high transport efficiency. However, structural characteristics such as a high center of gravity (CG), heavy loads, and the dynamic coupling between the tractor and trailer make them prone to yaw instability and rollover under complex conditions. To solve these problems, this article proposes a hierarchical stability control architecture for semi-trailers based on the joint estimation of equivalent parameters. First, a six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) theoretical dynamic model is established. This model includes the lateral, yaw, and roll motions of both the tractor and trailer to provide desired reference states. Second, a parameter estimation method combining a genetic algorithm (GA) with a forgetting-factor recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm is designed. It dynamically identifies eight unknown equivalent parameters, specifically the tire cornering stiffness and suspension damping. Next, a hierarchical controller is developed. The upper layer uses model predictive control (MPC) to calculate the required additional yaw moments, while the lower layer allocates these moments through quadratic programming (QP) based on vehicle steering characteristics. Co-simulation results, evaluated using error metrics that compare control outputs directly against TruckSim reference outputs, show that the fusion GA-RLS method offers better accuracy and adaptability than a standalone GA. Furthermore, the stability controller prevents rollover in high-speed maneuvers and reduces peak state indicators by over 41.2% in low-speed scenarios. Robustness tests also confirm its effectiveness under low-adhesion road conditions and heavy payloads. Compared with a conventional fixed-parameter MPC, the proposed adaptive architecture improves key stability indicators by 19% to 25%, effectively enhancing the dynamic safety of semi-trailers.</div>