Vehicle stopping distance by means of suspensions control

Abstract

This study addresses a new concept of intelligent braking functionality. The new concept proposed is based on the use of energy transfer from suspension behaviour. It tends, in fact, to reduce the energy needs for braking command using the overall vehicle's dynamics. A simple 2-D model is herein described in order to show the feasibility of the new concept. A new active control strategy based on an LQ (Linear Quadratic) type controller is then built. This control law takes into account the braking abilities peculiarities. Hence, for acting directly on the suspension devises, one can improve notably braking performances. The numerical computational results confirm this finding and provide further ideas improvement and extension. © 2011 Asian Network for Scientific Information.