An Experimental Investigation of Preview Control

There is mounting theoretical evidence to suggest that preview control can be of substantial benefit to a semi-active suspension for random road inputs. In this paper, the benefits of wheel-base preview control are measured experimentally, using a prototype semi-active damper in a half-car ‘Hardware-in-the-loop’ (HiL) rig with a planar two-axle heavy vehicle model. The benefits of preview control using the prototype semi-active damper are found to be less than theoretically possible, due to the phase lag between the demanded and achieved damping force. It is shown that the performance of the prototype damper can be improved significantly by having a theoretical simulation running ahead of the HiL vehicle. The theoretical simulation is used to predict the demanded damper force for the HiL vehicle, and thereby compensate for the phase lag in the prototype damper.     

Force Control of a Semi-Active Damper

Two strategies are investigated for controlling a semi-active damper to track a prescribed force demand signal: (i) 'open loop' control, using a model of the damping force versus velocity characteristics; and (ii) force feedback (closed loop) control.

The damping characteristics and switching transients of a prototype damper were measured, and used to develop a mathematical model of the dynamics of the damper. The two control strategies were investigated using an idealised (constant velocity) test. Their performance was also simulated and measured under realistic operating conditions using the Hardware-in-the-Loop testing method.

Open loop damper control was generally found to give superior performance to force feedback control, due to its smaller phase lag at high frequencies.     

Force Control of a Semi-Active Damper

SUMMARY

Two strategies are investigated for controlling a semi-active damper to track a prescribed force demand signal: (i) ‘open loop’ control, using a model of the damping force versus velocity characteristics; and (ii) force feedback (closed loop) control.

The damping characteristics and switching transients of a prototype damper were measured, and used to develop a mathematical model of the dynamics of the damper. The two control strategies were investigated using an idealised (constant velocity) test. Their performance was also simulated and measured under realistic operating conditions using the Hardware-in-the-Loop testing method.

Open loop damper control was generally found to give superior performance to force feedback control, due to its smaller phase lag at high frequencies.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Constrained Optimal Control of Semi-Active Suspension Systems with Preview

Controllers for semi-active suspensions have to account for constraints on damper range, tire force and suspension travel. Two approaches to incorporate these constraints in the design of controllers to minimize peak values in the chassis acceleration are considered. It is assumed that information on the oncoming road elevations (preview) is available. In the soft constraint approach, the constraints on tire force and suspension travel are included in a quadratic performance index. Two clipped optimal control laws, which deal with preview in a different way, are presented. Simulation results with a 2-DOF vehicle model on some rounded pulses show that these laws do not work satisfactorily with respect to the constraints. Therefore, the control problem is reformulated as a constrained optimization problem with hard constraints on tire force and suspension travel. Simulations with the same model on the same rounded pulses show that the hard constraint approach handles the constraints more properly.     

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.     

基于半主动自适应悬架系统的整车道路友好性研究

为了提高车辆的道路友好性与平顺性,设计了以磁流变减振器为控制对象的整车自适应模糊控制半主动悬架系统。在试验测试和理论分析的基础上,建立了基于磁流变减振器的整车半主动悬架模型及其状态方程,并用该模型对自适应模糊控制方法进行了研究。模型的输入采用B级和C级路面谱;道路友好性评价指标采用动载荷系数和动载荷应力因子;使用MATLAB/Simulink建立基于2个自适应模块的模糊控制器控制系统,模糊控制器的输入均采用车身与车桥的相对速度和相对加速度。仿真结果表明:与被动悬架相比,在B级和C级路面、不同速度下,半主动自适应悬架动载荷系数均降低30%左右,动载荷应力因子均降低40%以上,同时也提高了车辆的运行平顺性和稳定性。     

磁流变减振器极限高低温特性及变温正逆模型

磁流变减振器阻尼力和电流的精确控制是实现半主动悬架的算法、达到整车系统控制目标的必要条件,但由于磁流变液的温度敏感性使得磁流变减振器阻尼力强烈依赖温度变化,带来模型失配和控制效果弱化的问题。基于此进行磁流变减振器在不同电流和速度下的高低温(-40℃～80℃)示功试验研究,揭示磁流变减振器在低温下丧失阻尼特性而表现出刚度特性,在高温下黏滞阻尼退化的特性规律。为了描述磁流变减振器随温度变化的复杂非线性特性,提出一种新的磁流变减振器变温参数化双曲滞回模型,该模型引入温度作为自变量,对磁流变减振器黏滞阻尼、刚度及滞回特性进行准确描述。为了面向实际减振器控制,在此双曲滞回模型的基础上,进一步线性化求逆得到磁流变减振器温度修正的逆模型。该逆模型输入预期阻尼力和减振器压缩速度作为自变量,可以直接给出满足减振器力值约束的控制电流。研究结果表明：相较于未进行温度补偿的逆模型,该逆模型能够平均提升12.79%的电流控制精度以及12.53%的控制力跟踪精度;进行温度修正的模型能够在仿真中还原更真实的磁流变减振器力学特性,逆模型能够给出更精确的控制电流,为充分发挥磁流变减振器的能力、实现车辆的半主动悬架精确控...     

基于制动与悬架系统的车辆主动侧翻控制的研究

为提高车辆抗侧翻能力,建立了10自由度整车侧翻动力学模型,应用车辆动力学和轮胎力耦合特性,提出了一种基于差动制动和半主动悬架协同工作的车辆主动抗侧翻控制策略。通过对制动力矩的差动调节和半主动悬架阻尼力的适时匹配,实现对车辆侧翻的有效控制。根据子系统运动特性,设计了制动系统基于滑移率的积分滑模控制器和悬架系统灰模糊控制器。分别对制动、悬架控制及综合控制进行的鱼钩试验仿真结果表明,综合控制策略可有效降低危险时域车辆的侧倾角,相对于单一系统控制进一步提高了车辆抗侧翻能力。     

基于磁流变阻尼器的半主动车辆座椅悬架模糊控制研究

设计基于磁流变阻尼器的半主动车辆座椅悬架系统的模糊控制器。用ADAMS对系统建立三维多刚体动力学模型,用MATLAB设计系统模糊控制器,并联合两者对整个系统进行仿真。仿真和台架试验结果表明,模糊控制策略能使该系统较好抑制垂直振动加速度,提高乘坐的舒适性。     

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。     

Preview-Based Control of Suspension Systems for Commercial Vehicles

An active suspension with preview is developed for the rear axle of a commercial vehicle. The obtained improvements are promising and justify further investigation of the more feasible semi-active suspensions with preview. The inherent non-linearity of semi-active suspensions with switching shock absorbers and the need for controllers that can handle a broad class of control objectives has led to the development of several numerical control methods for both multi-level and continuously variable shock absorbers. The most promising control method and shock absorber type are selected and mounted in a test vehicle. Some first experimental results are discussed.     

Preview-Based Control of Suspension Systems for Commercial Vehicles

An active suspension with preview is developed for the rear axle of a commercial vehicle. The obtained improvements are promising and justify further investigation of the more feasible semi-active suspensions with preview. The inherent non-linearity of semi-active suspensions with switching shock absorbers and the need for controllers that can handle a broad class of control objectives has led to the development of several numerical control methods for both multi-level and continuously variable shock absorbers. The most promising control method and shock absorber type are selected and mounted in a test vehicle. Some first experimental results are discussed.     

基于磁流变阻尼器的发动机振动模糊PID控制

在对发动机激振力及动力学模型分析的基础上,提出一种模糊PID控制方法,设计出了基于磁流变阻尼器的发动机振动控制的半主动模糊PID控制器,并运用MATLAB/Simulink对隔振控制系统进行了对比仿真.仿真结果显示,与橡胶隔振垫和PID控制相比,采用模糊PID控制的磁流变阻尼器的发动机有更明显的隔振效果,表明了磁流变阻尼器在汽车发动机上运用的可行性.     

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.     

Hardware-in-the-loop simulation experiment for semi-active vibration control of lateral vibrations of railway vehicle by magneto-rheological fluid damper

The active lateral suspension (ALS) of a train consists of either active or semi-active technologies. However, such an active system on a real railway vehicle is not easy to test because of cost and time. In this study, a hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS) system is developed to test the ALS. To this end, the dynamic model of a railway vehicle is equipped with the actuator, two bogies and four-wheel sets, and the ALS is used. The proposed HILS system consists of an alternating current servo motor connected to a ball-screw mechanism and a digital control system. The digital control system implements the dynamic model and the control algorithm. The design and manufacture of the HILS system are explained in detail. Both the passive damper and the magneto-rheological (MR) fluid damper are tested using the HILS system, where the sky-hook control algorithm was applied for the MR fluid damper. Experimental results show that the proposed HILS system can be effectively used for the performance estimation of the ALS.     

应用于汽车减振的磁流变液阻尼器的设计原理

应用智能材料磁流变液（MR）构造出的半主动悬架减振系统，可以用于对车辆振动的控制。MR流体具有的独特性质在于：在强磁场的作用下，可由牛顿流体变为粘塑流体，而变液阻尼器则具有结构简单、体积小、工作连续可逆，能耗小等优点。本文介绍了磁流变液的材料特性，建立了磁流变液阻尼器的阻尼力数学模型，并提出设计变阻尼器时参数的选取原则。