Study on Self-tuning Control Strategy of Suspension Systems for Improving Vehicle Ride Performance

Abstract

In this paper, a new control theory based on fuzzy-logic will be proposed for the purpose of enhancing vehicle ride performance. In the first step, a half car model with four DOF will be analyzed by Lagrange equations after which a conventional semi-active skyhook controller will be built. Then a new control model that considering vehicle mass as well as vehicle speed will be provided, the advantage of this controller will be studied. Harmonic excitation and Random excitation will be given as road input. All the models that proposed will be accomplished through matlab/simulink. The four outcome parameters of two types, namely, the body acceleration and the pitch acceleration will be compared in time domain and frequency domain among three conditions which can be described as passive, conventional skyhook and self-tuning respectively. Finally, the models will be implemented on dsPACE to verify whether the theory can be used on real vehicles. Though the graphics and the hardware in the loop test we can come to a conclusion that vehicle suspensions arm with fuzzy-logic based self-tuning controllers has the best ride properties which hold practical values. © 2014 SERSC.