Skyhook and H8 Control of Semi-active Suspensions: Some Practical Aspects

Summary This paper deals with single-wheel suspension car model. We aim to prove the benefits of controlled semi-active suspensions compared to passive ones. The contribution relies on H 8 control design to improve comfort and road holding of the car under industrial specifications, and on control validation through simulation on an exact nonlinear model of the suspension. Note that we define semi-active suspensions as control systems incorporating a parallel spring and an electronically controlled damper. However, the type of damper used in automotive industry can only dissipate energy. No additional force can be generated using external energy. The control issue is then to change, in an accurate way, the damping (friction) coefficient in real-time. This is what we call semi-active suspension. For this purpose, two control methodologies, H 8 and Skyhook control approaches, are developed, using a linear model of the suspension, and compared in terms of performances using industrial specifications. The performance analysis is done using the control-oriented linear model first, and then using an exact nonlinear model of the suspension incorporating the nonlinear characteristics of the suspension spring and damper.     

汽车非线性半主动悬架的模糊神经网络控制

考虑磁流变减振器阻尼力和悬架弹性元件非线性特性，建立车辆6自由度的半主动悬架非线性动力学模型。提出了一种基于模糊神经网络系统结构的模型参考自适应控制方法来研究汽车半主动悬架的非线性控制问题，并考虑半车模型前后悬架的输入时滞，对其进行了仿真研究。研究结果表明：运用模糊神经网络非线性控制方法能够使人体和车身垂直加速度、俯仰角加速度都得到很大的衰减，证实这种模糊神经网络控制方法可大大减少路面对车身的振动冲击，提高汽车行驶平顺性。     

基于ILMI算法的车辆半主动悬架静态输出反馈控制

针对采用磁流变阻尼器的1/4汽车半主动悬架模型进行振动控制分析。利用迭代线性矩阵不等式(ILMI)算法在输出反馈控制中的求解优势,提出基于ILMI算法的半主动悬架静态输出反馈控制方法。仿真结果表明,结合合适的控制算法,采用磁流变阻尼器的半主动悬架系统有效地改善了汽车驾驶平顺性和乘坐舒适性。     

Semi-active H∞ control of high-speed railway vehicle suspension with magnetorheological dampers

In this paper, semi-active H∞ control with magnetorheological (MR) dampers for railway vehicle suspension systems to improve the lateral ride quality is investigated. The proposed semi-active controller is composed of a H∞ controller as the system controller and an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) inverse MR damper model as the damper controller. First, a 17-degree-of-freedom model for a full-scale railway vehicle is developed and the random track irregularities are modelled. Then a modified Bouc–Wen model is built to characterise the forward dynamic characteristics of the MR damper and an inverse MR damper model is built with the ANFIS technique. Furthermore, a H∞ controller composed of a yaw motion controller and a rolling pendulum motion (lateral motion+roll motion) controller is established. By integrating the H∞ controller with the ANFIS inverse model, a semi-active H∞ controller for the railway vehicle is finally proposed. Simulation results indicate that the proposed semi-active suspension system possesses better attenuation ability for the vibrations of the car body than the passive suspension system.     

Control system synthesis of seat suspensions used for protection of working machine operators

This paper deals with a novel approach to the control system synthesis of semi-active and active seat suspensions. An original control strategy is discussed in order to increase the effectiveness of vibration isolators used for protection of working machines operators. As an example of the proposed control system design, the suspension systems with a magneto-rheological damper and a pneumatic spring are investigated using a laboratory experimental set-up with seated humans.     

基于微分几何理论的汽车半主动悬架非线性振动控制

针对汽车悬架系统的非线性特性,采用1／4汽车二自由度悬架模型分析半主动悬架控制。应用微分几何理论得到输出-干扰解耦方法,再经适当的坐标变换将该模型由非线性系统简化成一线性系统,并对此系统进行最优控制,然后通过非线性状态反馈实现对原系统的半主动控制。与被动悬架的仿真结果进行了比较,表明这种针对具有非线性特征的半主动悬架的非线性控制方法是可行的。通过功率谱分析,控制后系统的能量比被动悬架更趋于平均,悬架动态性能更稳定。     

Analysis of a Passive Sequential Hydraulic Damper for Vehicle Suspension

Vibration isolation characteristics of a sequential hydraulic damper, employing external pressure relief valves, are investigated via analytical means. The sequential hydraulic damper is modelled as a nonlinear dynamical system incorporating nonlinearities due to orifice flows, gas spring and pressure relief mechanisms. The damping characteristics of the sequential hydraulic damper, are compared to those of a constant orifice and a semi-active sequential damper, and discussed in view of their vibration isolation performance. It is established that the performance characteristics of the sequential hydraulic damper are similar to that of a semi-active sequential damper. A tuning methodology to achieve appropriate control of the resonant peak and effective vibration isolation is proposed. The shock and vibration isolation performance of the vehicle model employing a sequential damper are evaluated and compared to those of the vehicle model employing a constant orifice hydraulic damper. It is concluded that the vehicle ride performance can be improved considerably using an adequately tuned sequential damper.     

Vehicle Dynamic Analysis and Evaluation of Continuously Controlled Semi-Active Suspensions Using Hardware-in-the-loop Simulation

A semi-active suspension system with continuously variable damper is greatly expected to be used mainly in the future as a high-performance suspension system due to its cost-effectiveness, light weight, and low energy consumption. In this paper, to develop a suitable control logic for the semi-active suspension system, the hardware-in-the-loop simulation is performed for the experimental continuously variable damper combined with a quarter-car model, and the simulation results are compared for passive, on/off controlled, and continuously controlled dampers in the aspects of ride comfort and driving safety, assuming each damper to be installed on the vehicle.     

Comparison of the properties of active and semiactive suspension

In this article, the properties of active and semi-active suspension for heavy goods vehicles are compared. The criteria for the comparison are the RMS sprung mass vertical acceleration, RMS dynamic tyre force, and suspension power consumption. The active system is based on an air-spring with controlled in-flow and out-flow of the air. In the semi-active system, a controlled hydraulic damper is employed. The results concerning the semi-active suspension system were taken from the article by Besinger et al. [Besinger, F.H., Cebon, D. and Cole, D.J., 1995, Force control of a semi-active damper. Vehicle System Dynamics, 24(9), 695-723.].     

Generalized magnetorheological (MR) damper model and its application in semi-active control of vehicle suspension system

In this paper, analytical characterization of the magneto-rheological (MR) damper is done using a new modified algebraic model. Algebraic model is also more preferable because of its low computational expenses compared to differential Bouc-Wen’s model which is highly computationally demanding. This model along with the obtained model parameters is used as a semi-active suspension device in a quarter car model and the stationary response of the vehicle traversing on a rough road is obtained. The control part consists of two nested controllers. One of them is the system controller which generates the desired damping force and the other is the damper controller which adjusts the voltage level to MR damper so as to track the desired damping force. For the system controller a model reference skyhook Sliding Mode Controller (SMC) is used and for the damper controller a continuous state algorithm is built to determine the input voltage so as to gain the desired damping force. The analytical model is subsequently used in the quarter car vehicle model and the vehicular responses are studied. A simulation study is performed to prove the effectiveness and robustness of the semi-active control approach. Results show that the semi-active controller can achieve compatible performance as that of active suspension controller except for a little deterioration.     

Comparison of the properties of active and semiactive suspension

In this article, the properties of active and semi-active suspension for heavy goods vehicles are compared. The criteria for the comparison are the RMS sprung mass vertical acceleration, RMS dynamic tyre force, and suspension power consumption. The active system is based on an air-spring with controlled in-flow and out-flow of the air. In the semi-active system, a controlled hydraulic damper is employed. The results concerning the semi-active suspension system were taken from the article by Besinger et al. [Besinger, F.H., Cebon, D. and Cole, D.J., 1995, Force control of a semi-active damper. Vehicle System Dynamics, 24(9), 695–723.].     

Adaptive Suspension Concepts for Road Vehicles

Most vehicle suspensions are composed of passive spring and damper devices, although improved suspension performance is possible if an active system is used to control forces or relative velocities. The complexity, power requirements, and cost of fully active suspensions have restricted their use. Various partially active suspensions have been proposed and suspensions with slow load levelers and variable dampers are in widespread use. Here we analyze a class of basically passive suspensions the parameters of which can be varied actively in response to various measured signals on the vehicle. These suspensions can come close to optimal performance with simpler means than many of the active or semi-active schemes previously proposed.     

Inverse neuro-fuzzy MR damper model and its application in vibration control of vehicle suspension system

In this paper, a magneto-rheological (MR) damper-based semi-active controller for vehicle suspension is developed. This system consists of a linear quadratic Gauss (LQG) controller as the system controller and an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) inverse model as the damper controller. First, a modified Bouc–Wen model is proposed to characterise the forward dynamic characteristics of the MR damper based on the experimental data. Then, an inverse MR damper model is built using ANFIS technique to determine the input current so as to gain the desired damping force. Finally, a quarter-car suspension model together with the MR damper is set up, and a semi-active controller composed of the LQG controller and the ANFIS inverse model is designed. Simulation results demonstrate that the desired force can be accurately tracked using the ANFIS technique and the semi-active controller can achieve competitive performance as that of active suspension.     

Semi-Active Control of Wheel Hop in Ground Vehicles

A two degree-of-freedom vehicle model is developed which incorporates passive, active, and semi-active secondary suspensions. The model is used to demonstrate the trade-offs which are inherent in attempting to provide desirable sprung weight isolation while at the same time controlling unsprung weight motions.

A linear model is used first in order to compare passive and active suspensions in an analytically understandable configuration. The semi-active suspension is inherently nonlinear and is compared to the others through computer simulation. The passive suspension is, of course, the most restrictive in providing simultaneous isolation of sprung and unsprung weight; however, the active suspension is also compromised in providing both functions. The semi-active suspension does an excellent job of tracking its active counterpart.     

电动赛车半主动悬架系统仿真及实现

应用汽车动力学理论,以1/4汽车悬架模型为研究对象,用调节减振器的阻尼系数法,建立了二自由度电动赛车的半主动悬架最优控制模型,利用编制的路面谱作为激励输入进行了仿真,并与被动悬架性能进行了对比。结果表明,半主动悬架在车身垂直振动加速度、悬架动行程、轮胎形变量的改善度分别为31.3%、21.4%、12.6%,使车身的振动被控制在某个范围之内,大大提高电动赛车在行驶过程中的平顺性。     

Semi-Active Control of Wheel Hop in Ground Vehicles

ABSTRACT

A two degree-of-freedom vehicle model is developed which incorporates passive, active, and semi-active secondary suspensions. The model is used to demonstrate the trade-offs which are inherent in attempting to provide desirable sprung weight isolation while at the same time controlling unsprung weight motions.

A linear model is used first in order to compare passive and active suspensions in an analytically understandable configuration. The semi-active suspension is inherently nonlinear and is compared to the others through computer simulation. The passive suspension is, of course, the most restrictive in providing simultaneous isolation of sprung and unsprung weight; however, the active suspension is also compromised in providing both functions. The semi-active suspension does an excellent job of tracking its active counterpart.     

Non-stationary random vibration analysis of three-dimensional train–bridge systems

The quarter car model has been used extensively to study the benefits of active, semi-active and passive suspensions. Despite the evident simplicity of the model, the insights obtained from this model have been found to have counterparts in half- and full-car suspension models. Among the most interesting results of the analysis of the quarter car are the relationships among certain transfer function and invariant points in the frequency response functions. These results are of great interest for the application of linear control techniques to the design of active suspensions and the optimisation of linearised passive suspensions. This paper attempts to show why some of the limitations implied by the model are less absolute than they at first seem.     

Adaptive Suspension Concepts for Road Vehicles

SUMMARY

Most vehicle suspensions are composed of passive spring and damper devices, although improved suspension performance is possible if an active system is used to control forces or relative velocities. The complexity, power requirements, and cost of fully active suspensions have restricted their use. Various partially active suspensions have been proposed and suspensions with slow load levelers and variable dampers are in widespread use. Here we analyze a class of basically passive suspensions the parameters of which can be varied actively in response to various measured signals on the vehicle. These suspensions can come close to optimal performance with simpler means than many of the active or semi-active schemes previously proposed.     

Energy Flow in Active Attitude Control Suspensions: A Bond Graph Analysis

Fully active ground vehicle suspensions which completely replace the passive spring and damper elements with a force generating actuator have required a significant amount of power. Alternative systems which retain compliant elements to handle high frequency isolation but include active elements to control the vehicle body attitude have been developed to reduce the power requirements. These suspensions are called “low bandwidth” or “fast load leveler” systems and they often incorporate semi-active dampers which produce high frequency controllable forces with low power requirements. Here, two contrasting attitude control systems are studied to show that actuator power can be significantly reduced if the actuator is used to vary a lever ratio instead of being used to compress the suspension spring directly. Both types of systems have been successfully implemented in prototype form. Bond graphs for idealized versions of the suspensions show clearly the significant differences in actuator power and energy requirements even though the abstract mathematical structures of the two systems are remarkably similar. Computer simulations confirm the analytical results.     

汽车半主动悬架的模型参考自适应控制

在1／4车辆动力学模型的基础上，基于李雅普诺夫稳定性理论，以天棚阻尼半主动悬架为参考模型，设计了半主动悬架模型参考自适应控制器。自适应控制器包括可调前置控制器和状态反馈控制器两个部分。推导了自适应控制律与相应的约束条件。仿真结果表明：该控制器对于模型参数的不确定性具有良好的鲁棒特性。自适应控制器不仅明显降低了车身加速度，提高了平顺性，同时也使汽车的行驶安全性获得了改善，悬架动变形稍有增大。