MATLAB Model for Calculating Automotive Braking Distance

This documentation presents a MATLAB-based automotive braking distance model program. The implementation calculates the required stopping distance based on critical parameters including vehicle velocity, road surface conditions, and brake system characteristics. The core algorithm employs kinematic equations with variable friction coefficients that dynamically adjust for different road surfaces (dry asphalt, wet pavement, icy conditions). Key functions include velocity-to-distance conversion using deceleration rates derived from Newton's second law, with optional integration of ABS simulation through pulse-based brake pressure modulation.

For automotive manufacturers and safety engineers, this program provides a valuable tool for designing and optimizing brake systems by simulating various emergency stopping scenarios. The model incorporates tire-road friction modeling through μ-slip ratio curves and includes brake force distribution logic for multi-axle vehicles. For educational and research purposes, the code demonstrates fundamental physics principles while offering modular components for extending functionality - such as adding aerodynamic drag effects or different brake system architectures. The commented MATLAB scripts allow users to modify parameters like brake efficiency factors and reaction time delays, facilitating deeper understanding of vehicular dynamics and safety margin calculations.

Researchers and students can utilize this implementation to study braking performance under variable conditions, with the code structure enabling easy integration of additional factors like vehicle mass variation or downhill gradient effects. The program serves as both a practical engineering tool and an educational resource for understanding automotive safety systems through executable mathematical modeling.