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Vehicle Active Suspension System performance using Different Control Strategies

Research Authors
Atef, Mahmoud M
Soliman, M-Emad S.
Sharkawy, A.B.
Research Year
2015
Research Journal
International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT)
Research Publisher
NULL
Research Vol
Volume 30
Research Rank
1
Research_Pages
106-114
Research Website
http://www.ijettjournal.org
Research Abstract

The objective of the present work is to investigate the performance of an active suspension system of a typical passenger car through the
application of three different control strategies under three different road irregularities. Tested control strategies are PID, LQR and FLC. Road irregularities considered are: a single rectangular pothole, a single cosine bump, and an ISO class-A random road disturbance. A 2-DOF quarter-vehicle model is used to simulate, evaluate and compare performance of these controllers against each other and against the original passive suspension system. Both tire gripping force and actuator force were normalized with respect to vehicle weight to recognize tire separation and enhance readability and interpretation of results. Simulation results showed that, active suspension systems are advantageous compared to passive ones. Active suspension implementing FLC control surpassed both PID and LQR controllers. Improvement of ride comfort was recognized by a reduction of sprung mass displacement and acceleration up to 23.8% and 52% respectively compared to the passive case. Improvement of load capacity is clear with a suspension travel reduction up to 61%. Moreover, vehicle stability was enhanced by increasing the tire separation margin up to 28 % of vehicle weight. An actuator force up to 39.5% of vehicle weight is required. All achieved by active suspension implementing FLC control.