Performance of semi-active cab suspension system with different control methods

Abstract

In this study, based on adaptive control methods, the semi-active suspension system of the heavy truck cab is researched and controlled to improve the ride comfort of the heavy truck. A dynamic model of the vehicle is established for simulation. Matlab/Simulink software is used to simulate and calculate the root mean square (RMS) accelerations of the driver’s seat and cab pitch angle under different operation conditions. Proportional-integral-derivate controller with its parameters optimized by the genetic algorithm (GA-PID controller) and Fuzzy logic control combined with PID (FLC-PID controller) are used to control the semi-active cab suspension system of the heavy truck. The obtained results show that the ride comfort of the vehicle using FLC-PID is better improved in comparison with using GA-PID under different operating conditions. Especially, when the vehicle moves at a speed of 72 km/h, the RMS accelerations of the driver's seat and cab pitch angle are greatly reduced by 26.45 % and 26.07 % respectively. Therefore, the FLC-PID control should be applied to the suspension system of the vehicles to improve the vehicle's ride comfort.