Simulation of the Ford Vehicle Speed Control System

This paper describes a mathematical model of the Ford Vehicle Speed Control System (Cruise Control). The model consists of component models of the engine, fluid coupling, speed sensor, actuator (pneumatic or electric), and vehicle dynamics. A computer implementation of the model is used to calculate the dynamic response of system variables to a sequence of driver commands, and to a sinusoidal road profile. Example computer solutions are given. The model is useful in evaluating system performance of proposed design innovations, determining performance sensitivity to component parameter values, and serves as a learning tool.