Theoretical investigation into the use of controllable suspensions to minimize road damage

Abstract

This paper describes a theoretical investigation into the reduction of road damage through use of active and semi-active suspensions. Two new linear state feedback control strategies are described. These regulate aspects of the vehicle response that are believed to be closely related to road damage. Comparisons are made with two established control strategies. The relative performance of the four controllers is examined using a two-axle planar heavy vehicle model, with both active and semi-active suspensions. Significant improvements are predicted for the three control strategies which account for correlation between the road roughness inputs at the front and rear of the vehicle, both for the active and semi-active suspensions. The state feedback preview control strategy previously developed by Sharp and Wilson [1] is found to give the best all-round performance for a suspension with semi-active suspension dampers.